Drug Trafficking

Drugs, ISIS, and Iran: What drove Jordan back to the gallows

The execution of six men convicted of killing security officers in June signals Amman’s tough new approach to terrorism, drug trafficking, and threats to the kingdom’s stability

King Abdullah II of Jordan. Analysts say that the return of the death penalty is intended to send a clear message of deterrence as the kingdom grapples with multiple internal and external challenges.Premium
Still from a video of a French Navy sniper shooting the engine of a cocaine smuggling boat, October 18, 2025

European agency advocates using military force to stop maritime 'cocaine highway' - report

Approximately 216 kg of khat seized from an Israeli at an Italian airport, July 13, 2026.

Israeli questioned in Italian airport after 216 kg of khat found in seven suitcases in his luggage

Israeli security forces conduct raids in the overt phase of Operation "Nomad," July 13, 2026.

Codename 'Nomad': First Bedouin undercover agent cracks major Israeli organized crime network


Iran slams US military strikes against alleged drug boats amid rising US Venezuela tensions

IRNA calls US attacks "arbitrary and extrajudicial killings," appealing to the UN to prevent violations of international peace and security.

Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro (R) meets with Speaker of the Parliament of Iran Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf (L), at Miraflores Palace, in Caracas, Venezuela June 2, 2025.

Hegseth announces Operation Southern Spear to counter drug trafficking in Western Hemisphere

The US has conducted its 20th strike against alleged drug trafficking vessels, killing "four narco-terrorists."

 US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth speaks to senior military leaders at Marine Corps Base Quantico, in Quantico, Virginia, US, September 30, 2025.

Countries should support Taiwan’s bid to participate as INTERPOL GA observer - opinion

Taiwan calls for a role in INTERPOL to strengthen international efforts against cybercrime, trafficking, and cross-border fraud.

 TAIWAN HAS taken several lessons from the Israel-Iran War, as tensions with China continue to rise. Here, Taiwanese reservists participate in pre-combat training on the first day of the annual Han Kuang military exercise in Miaoli on Wednesday.

US strikes on two drug-carrying vessels in Pacific kill six, Hegseth says

"These vessels were known by our intelligence to be associated with illicit narcotics smuggling," Hegseth said in a post on X/Twitter.

US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth speaks to senior military leaders at Marine Corps Base Quantico, in Quantico, Virginia, US, September 30, 2025.

Israel Police cracking down after synthetic drugs kill three in same week

Three young people in central Israel have died after consuming synthetic drugs, raising alarms over the growing dangers and accessibility of these substances.

(Illustrative) A customs officer displays Captagon pills. Sofia, 12, 2007.

Thai authorities arrest Israeli wanted for armed robbery ahead of flight from country

Osher Farhi, a 22-year-old Israeli with a criminal record, was arrested by Surat Thani authorities, reportedly following a request made by Israeli authorities.

Thai authorities arrest Israeli criminal Osher Farhi in Koh Samui, November 2025.

Syria's new government struggles to fight Captagon, narcotics trafficking - analysis

Syrian officials have confiscated millions of Captagon pills and other illicit substances since the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024.

Kurdish internal security forces stand guard after seizing a quantity of captagon pills in Qamishli, Syria, March 25, 2025.

Three killed in US strike on drug-trafficking vessel in Carribean, Hegseth says

US military conducted a lethal strike on a vessel operated by a drug trafficking organization, says US Defense Secretary Hegseth. Russia condemns "excessive military force."

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth attends the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) - United States Defence Ministers Hi-Tea as part of the ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, November 1, 2025.

US military strike on suspected drug vessel kills four

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that the ship "was known by our intelligence to be involved in illicit narcotics smuggling."

US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth attends a meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group, after a meeting of NATO Defense Ministers at the Alliance headquarters, in Brussels, Belgium October 15, 2025.

As Gaza ceasefire holds, Trump shifts focus from Middle East to Asia, South America - analysis

As tensions ease in Gaza, Trump’s diplomatic push toward Asia and South America marks a strategic pivot, with trade deals and peace efforts on the horizon.

US President Donald Trump meets with Japan's Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, Japan October 27, 2025