The United States is sending three Aegis guided-missile destroyers to the waters off Venezuela as part of an initiative by President Trump to address threats from Latin American drug cartels. The deployment comes as tensions rise between the U.S. and Venezuela, with accusations of drug trafficking directed at the Venezuelan government.
A national survey found that nearly 2% of middle school students admitted to abusing over-the-counter drugs in the past year, with female students showing a slightly higher rate of misuse than males. The study, involving almost 38,000 students across numerous schools, defined abuse as using the drugs to get high or exceeding prescribed dosages.
Montauk, a former fishing village, is grappling with the impact of rising wealth and a party culture fueled by influencers, as highlighted by the recent death of a young entrepreneur on a luxury yacht. This incident has sparked concerns about drug use and the town's transformation from a close-knit community to a hub for wealthy outsiders.
In the first seven months of 2025, Cambodia apprehended nearly 15,000 individuals linked to drug offenses, marking a 2.7% increase from the previous year. Authorities confiscated significant amounts of narcotics, including 1.91 tons of various drugs and 19 tons of chemical precursors, alongside numerous weapons and vehicles.
The all-female anti-drug unit of the Dehong Border Administration Detachment in Yunnan province utilizes undercover tactics, such as disguises, to combat drug trafficking, with recent successes including a significant heroin seizure. The team's work involves extensive surveillance and a lengthy legal process, emphasizing the importance of apprehending suspects during the commission of crimes.
Dominican Republic officials intercepted a speedboat after a lengthy 12-hour pursuit, uncovering 1.5 tons of cocaine and arresting four individuals, a significant seizure in the country's history. This operation underscores the Dominican Republic's ongoing struggle with drug trafficking, a major transit point for shipments, as authorities continue to combat the flow of illicit substances.
In a recent discussion, Mr. Shanmugam emphasized the dangers of substance abuse, particularly among younger individuals who risk jeopardizing their futures. He highlighted the government's commitment to strong drug enforcement policies and discussed the importance of public education in preventing substance abuse and terrorism.
The Macao Judiciary Police have arrested a couple from mainland China on drug trafficking charges after discovering significant amounts of cannabis concealed in the man's underwear and luggage upon their arrival from Bangkok. Investigations revealed that the male suspect, a habitual drug user, had acquired the drugs in Bangkok with his wife's assistance in smuggling them to the Chinese mainland.
The Chinese Embassy in Colombia has issued a statement advising its citizens to be vigilant and avoid involvement in drug-related offenses, following the arrest of a Chinese national caught with cocaine. The embassy highlighted the dangers of being lured into smuggling drugs and stressed the importance of reporting suspicious situations to local authorities.
Law enforcement agencies from China, Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand initiated their 155th joint patrol of the Mekong River to address cross-border crimes, beginning with the departure of vessels from multiple locations.
A 19-year-old girl, Albee Chai Buo Yin, has been charged in Singapore for selling vaporisers on WhatsApp and for possessing vapes for her own use. She faces multiple charges under the Tobacco Act, including advertising and selling electronic cigarettes, as authorities intensify efforts to combat vaping among youth.
Singapore is classifying the anesthetic etomidate, found in vapes, as a Class C drug, due to increasing concerns about its use and its association with deaths. This change will subject users of etomidate-laced vapes to stricter penalties, including mandatory rehabilitation and potential imprisonment.
Veterans are traveling to Mexico to access ibogaine, a psychedelic drug, for PTSD and traumatic brain injury treatment, while Texas seeks to become a leader in ibogaine research to help veterans. Despite the drug's current Schedule I status, Texas is pushing for clinical trials to explore its potential for treating opioid use disorder and other behavioral health conditions.
President Trump announced plans to negotiate a deal with China that would impose the death penalty on those who traffic fentanyl into the US, citing tariffs as a penalty for the drug's alleged flow from China. He also criticized the previous administration for the current drug crisis, blaming their policies for the influx of fentanyl and the challenges faced by law enforcement.
Two French girls, aged 19 and 20, were arrested at Brisbane International Airport on drug trafficking charges after authorities discovered 32 bricks of suspected methamphetamine in their luggage. The girls are set to remain in custody until their next hearing in September 2025, facing a potential life sentence if convicted.
The UNODC plans to form working groups with Southeast Asian countries, China, and Japan to share intelligence on fentanyl and synthetic drug smuggling, spurred by an investigation revealing Japan's role in the global supply chain. This initiative, led by UNODC's Jeremy Douglas, aims to combat the drug trade in Asia.
A Malaysian man was hired to surveil a warehouse containing over S$6 million worth of seized vapes, with the intent to facilitate a theft, but was caught by authorities and later fled the country. He was subsequently arrested, extradited, and sentenced to jail for drug offenses, obstructing justice, and immigration violations.
China has launched a campaign targeting young people to curb the abuse of nontraditional drugs, citing a rise in cases and the associated health risks. The initiative includes online awareness efforts, warnings about deceptive tactics used by traffickers, and calls for public vigilance and reporting.
The U.S. Coast Guard seized over $20 million worth of cocaine and marijuana in the Caribbean Sea, a result of collaborative efforts with international partners. The operation led to the offloading of thousands of pounds of drugs and involved multiple encounters with suspected drug smuggling vessels.
Japanese authorities announced a six-year record with no fentanyl seizures by customs, raising questions amidst reports of a Chinese organization allegedly using a Japanese base for smuggling fentanyl precursors. Finance Minister Katsunobu Kato responded to the report by reaffirming Japan's dedication to preventing illegal drug smuggling and taking all necessary measures.
