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Brussels, My Love?

Brussels, my love? Who is Friedrich Merz?

In this edition, we reflect on the big takeaways from the German federal elections and discuss the recent wave of copycat violent attacks across Europe.

Mexico

Mexico sends 29 drug cartel members to the US amid Trump tariff threat

Drug lord Rafael Caro Quintero has been wanted by US authorities for the brutal 1985 killing of a US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agent.

Europe News

Belgium reinforces police forces in Antwerp to fight drug violence

Belgian Interior Minister Bernard Quintin attended daily inspections of the Antwerp maritime police forces, which are in charge of the security and safety of the port of Antwerp.

Europe News

Another shooting in the centre of Brussels as drug gang war rages

And in an indication of how serious the violence is, the Minister of the Interior and Security Bernard Quintin visited the scene of the shooting.

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Health news

Where in Europe are illegal drugs having the worst health impact?

Cannabis and cocaine are the most commonly used drugs in the EU, but several others pose a threat to public health.

Ireland

Irish police seize €14 million worth of drugs in small town bust

Police announced three men have being arrested over the drug seizure, which they say is a major blow to an organised crime group.

Health news

Proportion of new schizophrenia cases linked to cannabis use triple

New research adds to mounting evidence of a link between heavy cannabis use and psychosis, experts say.

Europe News

One of Europe's most wanted fugitives 'is hiding out' in Sierra Leone

The Netherlands and Sierra Leone are investigating reports that the Dutch cocaine kingpin Jos Leijdekkers is living in the West African nation.

Healthcare

Glasgow hopes new safe injection site will curb drug overdose deaths

More countries in Europe have opened sites where people can use illegal drugs. But not everyone is in favour of the practice.

Health news

What the EU drugs agency chief is most worried about in 2025

The EUDA director said people using multiple drugs at once, violence, and political polarisation are key challenges for 2025.

Europe News

Suspected drug gang leader extradited from Morocco to France

Félix Bingui, known as 'The Cat', is alleged to be the leader of the Yoda drug gang in Marseille and is wanted on several charges by French authorities.

Health news

Customs officials issue warning about 'erectile honey' flooding France

French authorities made a record bust in 2024, seizing 13 tonnes of honey laced with erectile dysfunction medicine.

United Kingdom

Drones are flying weapons and drugs into UK prisons, watchdog warns

The UK's Chief Inspector of Prisons, Charlie Taylor, has called for urgent action to tackle drones delivering drugs and guns to high security prisons.

Europe News

France mass rape trial: Calls at new helpline increase after verdict

The platform to help victims who believe they have been drugged then assaulted was created two months amid the trauma of a mass trial that shook France and the rest of the world.

Culture news

Elton John slams legalisation of marijuana in US and Canada

"I maintain that it's addictive," Sir Elton tells Time, which named him Icon of the Year. He spoke to the publication about his belief that marijuana never should’ve been legalised in America and Canada.

Culture news

'Men In Love': Irvine Welsh to publish new sequel to ‘Trainspotting’

There have been other spin-off novels with the Trainspotting characters, but next year's "Men In Love" is the first that takes place immediately after the events of the original novel.

Colombia

Colombian navy finds 'narco sub' in new Australia trafficking route

The discovery of a semi-submersible vessel carrying cocaine in the Pacific was part of a global six-week operation against drug smugglers.

Culture news

Mexico’s president unveils a plan to promote non-violent music

President Claudia Sheinbaum plans to launch a campaign to promote other, less violent musical styles that aren’t as linked to drug trafficking.

Europe News

Spain arrests top anti-fraud cop after €20 million 'found in his home'

The arrest is linked to Spain's largest-ever cocaine bust after 13 tonnes of the drug were found in a cargo container of bananas shipped from Ecuador.

Europe News

Spain seizes record 13 tonnes of cocaine in Ecuadorean banana shipment

Authorities in Spain say the drug bust is the second-largest ever recorded in Europe and one of the biggest worldwide.