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Europe News

'We never had so many drugs smuggled or produced in Europe' - report

The annual study released by the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA) warned that the use of illegal substances is a concern to the health of people on the continent, as well as its security.

Italy

Italian police dogs find 2,700kg of cocaine hidden in banana crates

The seized cocaine was of the finest quality, according to Italian police, and would have earned drug traffickers more than €800 million in street sales in Armenia, where it was destined.

Portugal

Portugese police find 4.2 tonnes of cocaine in banana shipment

The intercepted haul destined for European markets is thought to be worth around €100m.

Italy

Italian authorities seize 'record' cocaine haul floating in the Med

Police suspect that the packages had been dropped at sea by a cargo ship to be recovered later.

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World News

Cannabis, cocaine and molly: Europe's top drugs hotspots, mapped

Detection of cocaine in European cities' wastewater has continued to increase, despite efforts to limit the consumption and smuggling of illicit drugs.

Europe News

Debunk: Was an MEP caught snorting cocaine during public meeting?

Euronews fact-checked the claims of whether a European politician was using illegal drugs during a meeting.

Health news

Cocaine use in Europe: How do EU countries compare?

The production of cocaine is no longer an offshore affair. With the increased availability of the drug in the EU, what does it mean for consumption?

USA

Former head of Mexican federal police convicted in the US

The highest-ranking Mexican official ever to be tried in the United States was convicted of taking bribes by a New York court. Genaro Garcia Luna denies the allegations.

World News

EU’s drugs agency concerned the continent's a centre for production

The European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA) says the continent is increasingly becoming a centre for cocaine production as the increased drug seizures indicate there are more illicit substances in circulation.

Europe News

Cocaine 'super cartel' controlling a third of Europe's trade is busted

The coordinated clampdown that saw some 40 tonnes of cocaine seized shows that "there is no safe haven for drug lords," the European police coordination organisation said on Monday.

Europe News

Blow for Belgium as it struggles to dispose of record cocaine haul

With recent large-scale confiscations in the cargo port of Antwerp, the authorities expect that the 100-tonne mark will be surpassed by the end of 2022.

World News

Europe hit by 'cocaine wave' sparking a rise in violence, Europol says

As coca leaf plantations increased by at least 43% since 2020, organised crime networks have become better connected and increasingly violent.

Italy

Police discover €1.4m of cocaine inside wheelchair upholstery

The wheelchair user reportedly stood up and walked away unassisted when the drugs were discovered.

Europe News

Illegal drug seizures in Antwerp continue to rise

Almost 36 tonnes of illegal drugs were recovered at the Belgian port in the first half of the year. Some 41 tonnes were seized in 2017.

Italy

Mafia fugitive and 'cocaine king' extradited to Italy from Brazil

The fugitive was arrested by Brazilian authorities last year after more than 27 years on the run.

Europe News

Drugs bounce back in Europe after COVID lockdown lull

"Established drugs have never been so accessible and potent new substances continue to emerge," said EU drugs agency chief Alexis Goosdeel.

Italy

Italy seizes over four tons of cocaine linked to Colombian Gulf Clan

The haul is reported to be one of the largest-ever drug busts in Europe with an estimated street value of €240 million.

World News

Record quantities of cocaine seized in Europe, EU agencies warn

More than 214.6 tonnes of cocaine were seized in Europe in 2020, a 6% increase from 2019.

Switzerland

Cocaine found in coffee at Nespresso factory in Switzerland

The discovery led to the seizure of 500 kilograms of the drug - one of Switzerland's biggest ever hauls.

World News

Dozens arrested in Belgium & Spain in major drug trafficking operation

The criminal network is accused of using cargo planes, private jets and shipping containers to smuggle cocaine into Europe.