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

|ByDANA BEN-SHIMON
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

This comes as Europe is getting hit by what one DEA officer called “a tsunami of cocaine,” and follows an operation in which a French Navy sniper shot the engine of a high-speed smuggling vessel.

|ByDANYA SAPERSTEIN
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

In Yemen and Israel, khat is not defined as a dangerous drug, but the situation is different in Italy and in most countries around the world.

|ByYOAV ETIEL
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

During his time undercover, the Nomad was party to dozens of arms deals and drug deals, purchasing four illegal M-16 rifles, dozens of handguns, and about 500 grams of cocaine.

|ByMAYA ZANGER-NADIS

Syria arrests Assad relative tied to $2 billion Captagon empire

Authorities say Namir Badi’ Assad was seized in Al-Qardaha with alleged partners as part of a wider post-regime crackdown on drug and arms networks.

OCTOBER 19, 2025ByRIZIK ALABI/THE MEDIA LINE
Namir Assad.