Results for: Drug Trafficking

Karim Bouyakhrichan, one of Europe’s most wanted criminals and alleged leader of the Mocro Maffia, was inadvertently released from a Spanish prison owing to a judicial mix-up. After a five-year money laundering investigation, Bouyakhrichan was detained by police in January. Despite a request from the Dutch government, the 46-year-old known as “Taxi” was released due to confusion and has since vanished. The Mocro Maffia is one of Europe’s largest cocaine trafficking syndicates, thought to have smuggled billions of euros worth of drugs in the last 15 years. They are also accused of money laundering operations across Europe, the Middle East, and Morocco. Authorities arrested Bouyakhrichan and five other individuals, accusing him of purchasing 172 properties in Spain worth over €50 million ($53.4 million). Although the Dutch authorities requested Bouyakhrichan’s extradition to face drug trafficking charges, the Málaga court denied it, claiming jurisdiction over his arrest location. They maintained that he must first face money laundering charges in Spain. Bouyakhrichan’s release has prompted concern and efforts to apprehend him for his alleged involvement in a drug war that has claimed numerous lives across Europe and North Africa.

The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) in Mumbai has successfully busted an international drug conspiracy, resulting in the seizure of a substantial quantity of MDMA (ecstasy) and the arrest of an African national.

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.

In a major drug raid last week, Swedish customs officials seized around 1.4 tons of cocaine at the port of Nynashamn, marking one of the largest busts in the country’s history. This significant haul places Sweden among countries experiencing an increase in drug trafficking activities. The confiscated cocaine, believed to be destined for distribution across Europe, highlights the growing involvement of criminal networks in the legitimate business sector.

Antony Abreu, a convicted drug trafficker, has been found guilty of the 2019 murder of Xin “Chris” Gu in Queens. Abreu acted as a paid assassin for Gu’s former boss, Qing Ming “Allen” Yu, who ordered the hit after Gu quit his company and took clients with him. Abreu was recruited by accomplice Zhe Zhang to carry out the killing for a payment of a Richard Mille wristwatch worth over $100,000. Abreu faces mandatory life in prison when sentenced. The verdict was the result of a week-and-a-half long trial, during which Abreu testified in his own defense. The jury deliberated for several days before reaching a guilty verdict.

In a joint operation, Europol and Bosnian officials have detained 23 individuals suspected of involvement in the inner circle of a global drug kingpin. The suspects, including corrupt officials, are accused of facilitating criminal activities related to drug trafficking, money laundering, and other organized crime offenses. The arrests are part of an ongoing crackdown on criminal networks controlling the European cocaine trade, and follow the arrest and sentencing of the kingpin in 2022.

Bosnian authorities, in collaboration with Europol, have apprehended 23 individuals, including corrupt officials, suspected of being part of a global drug kingpin’s inner circle. The suspects face charges related to drug trafficking, money laundering, and organized crime. The operation, which involved agents from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and FBI, seized various evidence, including weapons, money, and electronic devices. This operation highlights the ongoing efforts to combat criminal networks operating within Europe’s cocaine trade.

In a historic move, the United Chiefs and Councils of Manitoulin (UCCM) Anishnaabe Police has established a specialized drug enforcement unit to address the growing problem of drug trafficking on the island. The creation of the unit marks a significant step towards enhancing public safety and combating organized crime in the six communities it serves.

Safeer Nazir, former co-owner of Day and Night Pizza in Edmonton, pleaded guilty to charges stemming from an investigation into drug sales at his pizzeria. The investigation revealed illegal substances were sold from the restaurant, including fentanyl concealed in pizza boxes. During the raid, officers seized large quantities of fentanyl, meth, and cash from both the pizzeria and a related home. Nazir’s sentencing is scheduled for next month, highlighting the ongoing fentanyl crisis faced by both Canada and the United States.

Rasheed Mingues, 44, admitted to selling drugs and possessing a firearm as a convicted felon in Utica, New York. Prosecutors presented details from court documents.