Drug Trafficking

Syria announces major drug bust through coordination with Iraq against Captagon trafficking

A source in the Syrian Ministry of Interior told The Media Line that anti-narcotics units carried out what he described as a “high-quality” security operation in Homs province.

KURDISH INTERNAL security forces stand guard after seizing a quantity of captagon pills in Qamishli, Syria, March 25, 2025.
A member of the Mexican navy patrols Benito Juarez International Airport after Mexican drug lord Nemesio Oseguera, known as "El Mencho," was killed in Jalisco state, in Mexico City, Mexico, February 22, 2026.

Mexican army kills 'El Melcho': How is Mexico's most violent cartel so powerful? - explainer

Vehicles drive past a burning bus used as a roadblock by organized crime following a federal operation in which a government source said Mexican drug lord Nemesio Oseguera, commonly known as "El Mencho," was killed, in Zapopan, Mexico, February 22, 2026.

New US military-led group aided Mexico's hunt for 'El Mencho' cartel boss

National Guard members stand guard near a burnt bus set on fire by organised crime groups in response to an operation in Jalisco to arrest a high-priority security target, at one of the main avenues in Zapopan, state of Jalisco, Mexico, on February 22, 2026.

Powerful Mexican Jalisco cartel head 'El Mencho' killed during military operation


Orthodox Jewish judge to preside over Maduro's criminal proceedings in NY

Judge Alvin Hellerstein, a 92-year-old Orthodox Jewish federal judge, is among the longest-serving active federal judges in the country.

Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro being walked in custody down a hallway at the offices of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in New York City, U.S., January 3, 2026.

Jordan carries out airstrikes in Syria, signaling frustration over border security - analysis

Two rounds of Jordanian airstrikes hit smuggling targets in southern Syria, underscoring Amman’s demand for stronger action against drug gangs operating near its border.

A Jordanian flag flies over the capital city, Amman, Jordan August 17, 2025.

Jordanian army strikes near Sweida after intercepting arms, drugs smugglers near border

The Jordanian Armed Forces carried out airstrikes near Sweida, Syria, targeting smuggler factories used for operations into Jordan, after coordination with "regional partners."

Jordanian troops ride their military vehicles during a parade at a ceremony to celebrate the country's 74th Independence Day within a limited number of activities amid the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in Amman, Jordan May 25, 2020; illustrative.

US Southern Command targets narco-traffickers in international waters

"Intelligence confirmed that the vessels were transiting along known narco-trafficking routes in the Eastern Pacific and were engaged in narco-trafficking," the military said in a post on X.

The top deck of US Navy's USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier, with fighter jets, December 1, 2025; illustrative.

Any country trafficking drugs into US 'subject to attack,' says Trump

The Trump administration launched an offensive on alleged drug-trafficking boats in the Caribbean and Pacific in recent months, killing dozens through targeted missile strikes.

US President Donald Trump attends a cabinet meeting with US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth at the White House in Washington, DC, US, December 2, 2025.

Trump pardons former Honduran president Juan Orlando Hernandez

"After nearly four years of pain, waiting, and difficult trials, my husband, Juan Orlando Hernandez, returned to being a free man," said Hernandez's wife, Ana Garcia.

Honduras' President Juan Orlando Hernandez speaks during a joint message with US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) acting Secretary Chad Wolf (not pictured), at the Presidential House in Tegucigalpa, Honduras January 9, 2020.

White House says Hegseth approved strikes on Venezuela boat, defends actions as legal

The White House says Pete Hegseth approved strikes on a Venezuelan vessel as lawmakers question the legality of the operation.

US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth arrives at the US Capitol ahead of a briefing with members of Congress in Washington, DC, US, November 5, 2025.

US to launch new phase of Venezuela ops., including possible plan to overthrow Maduro, sources say

US officials say Washington is moving toward a new phase of action against Venezuela, as military pressure and covert options against the Maduro government remain on the table.

Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro gestures on the day of a march marking Venezuelan Student Day, in Caracas, Venezuela, November 21, 2025.

Lebanon arrests Middle East drug kingpin Noah Zaiter, two years after US sanctions

The Lebanese army detains Noah Zaitar after years of evading arrest, amid intensified raids on drug traffickers.

Noah Zaitar, a Lebanese national wanted over alleged drug trafficking

Trump says US may open talks with Venezuela's Maduro amid massive military buildup

President Trump hints at potential talks with Venezuelan leader Maduro as the US escalates military presence in the Caribbean amid ongoing anti-drug operations.

Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro holds a miniature of the Venezuelan constitution on the day he meets with Caribbean parliamentarians from 14 countries to sign a peace agreement in the region, amid rising tensions with the US, at Miraflores Palace in Caracas, Venezuela, October 31, 2025.