A man in Argentina was wrongly arrested and imprisoned for three weeks after authorities mistakenly identified talcum powder as cocaine. The case has sparked outrage and raised concerns about the lack of accountability and due process within the country’s security forces.
Drug-related deaths in England and Wales have reached their highest level since 1993, with 5,448 fatalities in 2023. This alarming surge, driven by the increasing prevalence of cocaine and potent synthetic opioids, is disproportionately impacting men aged 40-49. The crisis is exacerbated by regional disparities, with the North East of England seeing three times the drug death rate compared to London. Experts call for immediate action, including evidence-based drug policies, harm reduction initiatives, and increased awareness education to combat this escalating public health crisis.
A groundbreaking discovery has revealed that Europeans were chewing coca leaves in the 17th century, nearly two centuries before its documented arrival in the Old World. Researchers found traces of cocaine in the brains of two mummified individuals buried in Milan, suggesting the plant’s use for medical or recreational purposes.
The Nigerian National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has made significant drug seizures in recent weeks, including the destruction of over 100,000 kg of cannabis in the Ekiti forest. The agency also intercepted shipments of cocaine, cannabis, and pharmaceutical opioids bound for the UK, Ireland, and Cyprus, hidden within everyday items like hair care products and food.
Hurricane Debby’s destructive path through the Southeast left behind more than just damage; it also brought to light a significant drug smuggling operation. Authorities discovered over 100 pounds of cocaine along Florida’s coastline, highlighting the lengths smugglers go to evade detection and the unpredictable nature of drug trafficking.
Australian Olympic hockey player Tom Craig was released from police custody after being arrested in Paris for buying cocaine. Craig, a silver medalist at the Tokyo Olympics, apologized for his actions and said they do not reflect the values of his family, teammates, or the Australian Olympic team.
A study in Brazil has revealed high levels of cocaine in sharks off the coast of Rio de Janeiro, raising concerns about the drug’s impact on their behavior and health. The cocaine likely originates from sewage discharge and illicit labs, potentially affecting shark eyesight, hunting abilities, and even leading to aggression and unpredictable behavior.
German authorities have made the country’s largest ever cocaine seizure, confiscating 35.5 tonnes of the drug with a street value of 2.6 billion euros. The haul was discovered in shipping containers between April and September 2023, with investigations revealing a complex smuggling operation involving fake companies and suspects from various countries.
Customs officials intercepted a passenger from Jaipur, Rajasthan, who arrived from Doha, Qatar, on Tuesday. Upon inspection, they discovered a hidden cache containing one kilogram of cocaine, with an estimated street value of Rs 10 crore. The substance was confirmed to be cocaine through chemical analysis. The passenger, Bharat Vasita, was detained for questioning and later remanded in judicial custody. Preliminary investigations suggest the drugs were sourced from Africa and were intended for distribution in Delhi. The investigation is ongoing to determine the possible involvement of an international drug racket.
Cronulla Sharks five-eighth Braydon Trindall faces charges of mid-range drink-driving with a suspended license, while also being investigated for a potential cocaine positive reading. The incident follows a roadside test on Monday morning, hours after the Sharks’ victory over the North Queensland Cowboys on Sunday night.
