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Europe Decoded

In Malta, confusion over cannabis law after doctor arrested

Malta became the first EU state to legalise cannabis last year, and yet...

Green News

Why over-milking psychedelic toads is causing the species to die out

Sonoran Desert Toads are at threat from human activity in the US. But why are they being milked?

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.

Culture news

Zendaya defends Euphoria against 'glorifying' drug use criticisms

'Euphoria' lead actress says the HBO series encourages empathy and helps viewers with their own battles.

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Health news

Frogs regrow amputated limbs in new breakthrough experiment

The research raises exciting possibilities for human patients who have lost limbs through diseases like Diabetes or a trauma.

Spain

Drug trafficking ring that used helicopters shut down in Spain

The criminal gang allegedly transported hashish and marijuana from Morocco to southern Spain using helicopters.

Netherlands

Dutch police seize 1.6 tonnes of cocaine in Rotterdam port

Dutch customs authorities said on Tuesday they had confiscated a record 68 tonnes of cocaine this year, up from 49 tonnes in 2020.

Art

Can 'artwashing' survive the social media age?

As museums and galleries distance themselves from the Sacklers, we ask whether the age-old practice of artwashing will stand-up under today's scrutiny.

Malta

Malta becomes first EU country to legalise cannabis for personal use

Citizens aged over 18 will be allowed to carry up to seven grams of cannabis and grow up to four cannabis plants at home.

Germany

German police bust cocaine smuggling network from South America

The gang is also accused of using fake companies to fraudulently apply for aid from coronavirus relief programmes.

Culture news

Wild Boys: Duran Duran ordered drugs on room service in the 80s

The British band's favourite West Hollywood haunt delivered enough substances to see them through the decade twice over.

United Kingdom

UK bars and clubs close in solidarity with anti-spiking boycott

Campaigners have called for a one-night boycott of bars and nightclubs on Wednesday in protest at rising cases of young women being drugged via drinks or needles, often a prelude to sexual assault.

Luxembourg

Luxembourg to legalise growing and using cannabis at home

Luxembourg’s government has announced changes to the law on cannabis, with plans to legalise growing and using the drug at home.

Nature

Pablo Escobar’s cocaine hippos legally recognised as people

A small step in the legal case to protect descendants of the drug lord’s pets could have huge implications for animal rights in the US.

Portugal

Portugal seizes cocaine worth €200m from yacht in Atlantic Ocean

The haul is reported to be one of the largest hauls in Europe in recent years and the biggest in Portugal for 15 years.

Nature

CBD oil: Wonder drug or widespread scam?

CBD oil derives from hemp, a cousin of marijuana in the Cannabis family. But we look at what it really is and whether it's healthy.

Finland

Party in Finland's ruling coalition backs legalising cannabis

The Green League, the party of Finland's interior minister, Maria Ohisalo, voted on the issue during a virtual conference earlier this month.

Afghanistan

Getting high: Afghan opium prices soar after Taliban takeover

The Taliban largely funded their insurgency on the production and trade in opium but have since signalled they would ban it.

Nature

The surprising reason you shouldn’t do drugs at Glastonbury Festival

Scientists have discovered environmentally damaging levels of illicit drugs in a river that runs through the festival site.

World News

Police bust Balkan cartel’s European ‘cocaine pipeline’

61 people were arrested as police from eight European countries pounced on a Balkan crime organisation allegedly "flooding Europe with cocaine."