In a recent international operation, Portuguese authorities seized a narco-submarine in the Atlantic Ocean. The semi-submersible was carrying over 1.7 tonnes of cocaine destined for the Iberian Peninsula. The operation, code-named El Dorado, involved multiple agencies including Portugal’s PJ and navy, with support from the UK’s NCA and the US DEA. The four Venezuelan crew members were arrested, and the vessel was escorted to port.
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Russian authorities confiscated over 1.5 tons of cocaine at the port of St. Petersburg, originating from Ecuador. The illicit drugs, concealed within a container of bananas, have an estimated street value exceeding 20 billion rubles ($240 million). This significant seizure of cocaine, a frequently trafficked substance, prompted the immediate opening of a criminal investigation.
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Over the past month, the U.S. Coast Guard has seized over 40,000 pounds of cocaine in the Eastern Pacific Ocean as part of Operation Pacific Viper, a surge in counter-drug operations. These interdictions, which have involved more than a dozen seizures since August 8th, have also resulted in the apprehension of 36 suspected drug smugglers. Furthermore, the Coast Guard recently offloaded over 38 tons of cocaine and marijuana in Fort Lauderdale, the largest cocaine offload in the agency’s history. This increased effort is coordinated with international and interagency partners to disrupt illicit drug shipments.
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Authorities in the UK made a significant breakthrough, seizing 2.4 metric tons of cocaine at London Gateway port. The drug shipment, originating from Panama, was concealed within shipping containers and is estimated to be worth 96 million pounds. This recent bust marks the sixth-largest cocaine seizure in UK history and underscores the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat drug trafficking, particularly as cocaine-related deaths in England and Wales have risen.
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Over a ton of cocaine, valued at nearly half a billion dollars, recently seized off the Australian coast represents a significant blow to international drug trafficking networks. The sheer scale of the bust – a quantity exceeding 1,800 pounds – is staggering, suggesting a highly organized operation capable of moving substantial amounts of narcotics. This seizure likely represents only a fraction of the total volume intended for distribution, highlighting the vast scope of the illicit drug trade operating within and targeting Australia.
The potential street value of the seized cocaine, estimated to be around $480 million Australian dollars (or nearly half a billion USD), underscores the enormous profits involved in this criminal enterprise.… Continue reading
A patrol near the Canadian border in Lynden, Washington yielded a significant drug bust last Thursday. Two backpacks containing approximately $1.1 million worth of cocaine were discovered and subsequently seized by U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents. The cocaine, totaling 30 brick-like packages, was transferred to the DEA. While no arrests have been publicly reported, the agency lauded the agents’ vigilance in preventing the narcotics from reaching communities.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood