Health news How synthetic drugs are straining health systems worldwide Emerging patterns of substance use are creating more complex and less predictable health risks. Experts warn that health systems are struggling to keep pace, while access to treatment and prevention services remains limited. 23/04/2026
Uzbekistan Central Asia faces rising synthetic drug threat as trafficking evolves The rise of synthetic drugs and digital trafficking methods is forcing a shift in global anti-narcotics strategies. Uzbekistan is advancing new initiatives to improve cross-border cooperation, financial oversight and public awareness. 22/04/2026
USA US military strike on alleged drug boat kills at least three people US strikes on drug boats in the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean have so far killed a minimum of 181 people. Critics have slammed the Trump administration over the strikes, saying they constitute a violation of international law. 20/04/2026
USA Trump signs order to fast-track research on psychedelic drugs Trump signed an executive order Saturday to ease research restrictions on psychedelic drugs like psilocybin and LSD, aiming to accelerate studies into their potential for treating mental health conditions. 19/04/2026
Culture news Britney Spears enters rehab facility weeks after alleged DUI arrest Britney Spears has voluntarily entered a rehab clinic following her alleged DUI (Drinking Under the Influence) arrest on 4 March. 13/04/2026
Culture news 'Ketamine Queen' jailed for 15 years over Matthew Perry drugs death Perry, 54, had openly struggled for decades with addictions, but had appeared to colleagues to be beating his demons when he died in 2023. 08/04/2026
Europe News Fugitive Camorra boss Roberto Mazzarella arrested Mazzarella, head of the clan bearing his name, was on the list of Italy's most dangerous fugitives. Murder charges and other charges were brought against him. Cash and luxury watches were seized in the operation. 04/04/2026
Spain Spanish police bust 'maze-like' drug tunnel to Morocco in Ceuta Spain's close ties with Latin America and proximity to Morocco, a top cannabis producer, make it a key entry point for drugs into Europe. 31/03/2026
USA Judge weighs whether Venezuela can pay Nicolás Maduro's legal costs US sanctions prevent the Venezuelan government from footing the bill and Maduro and Flores say they do not have sufficient personal funds to cover it themselves. 26/03/2026
Europe News Sharp drop of MDMA in European wastewaters; cocaine and ketamine rise A new study has monitored illicit drug use through wastewater analysis in 115 European cities from 25 countries. From 2024 to 2025, MDMA's residues in wastewaters decreased by 16%, while those of ketamine increased by 41%. 18/03/2026
USA US military strikes another alleged drug boat killing three people The US military said it targeted a boat in the eastern Pacific Ocean late on Friday which its intelligence identified as a drug-trafficking vessel, killing three people on board. The US Southern Command said the boat was using known narco-trafficking maritime routes. 21/02/2026
World News Eleven killed in narcoboat strikes amid Trump’s Latin America drug war US strikes on three alleged drug boats kill 11, escalating Trump’s campaign against narcotraffickers in South American coastal waters. 18/02/2026
France French ex-senator jailed for drugging lawmaker with ecstasy Former French senator Joël Guerriau has been sentenced to four years in prison for drugging MP Sandrine Josso with ecstasy, intending to sexually assault her. 28/01/2026
USA Ex-Olympic snowboarder denies drug trafficking and murders in US court Canadian national Ryan Wedding is accused of moving cocaine to the United States and Canada and directing the killing of a federal witness in Colombia. 27/01/2026
Portugal Portugal announces record cocaine haul off the Azores archipelago Portuguese law enforcement was assisted by the navy and air force, as well as the UK and US authorities, in difficult weather conditions. 26/01/2026
Netherlands Synthetic drug ring smashed in 'largest-ever' operation, Europol says Authorities dismantled 24 industrial-scale labs and seized around 1,000 tonnes of chemicals used to make street drugs such as MDMA, amphetamine and meth. 21/01/2026