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A desk displayed intercepted bags of methamphetamines and heroin bricks
Image: Akila Jayawardana/picture alliance/NurPhoto

Illegal drug trade

The illegal drug trade involves the cultivation, distribution and sale of substances that violate drug prohibition laws. The trade can fuel corruption, money laundering and human exploitation.

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News

June 5, 2026

Dutch police arrest 4 men over drugging, rape of partners

May 27, 2026

Philippines: New inquiry launched into Duterte-era drug war

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Skip next section Reports & Analysis

Reports & Analysis

Top view of an underground stairway

High-tech drug tunnel found between Mexico and California

High-tech drug tunnel found between Mexico and California

A 2,000‑foot drug tunnel linking Mexico to California has been uncovered, along with a $45 million cocaine seizure.
CrimeJune 5, 202618:04 min
Workers pack boxes containing vaccines in Pune, India, January 21, 2021

India's drug lifeline to Africa disrupted by Iran war

India's drug lifeline to Africa disrupted by Iran war

The Iran war has choked off a critical logistics corridor that connects Africa with much-needed Indian pharmaceuticals.
HealthMay 27, 2026
A dirt-stained hand holds a syringe filled with drugs

How Fiji became 'ground zero' in the Pacific drug trade

How Fiji became 'ground zero' in the Pacific drug trade

Fiji, once a transit hub, is emerging as a key node in the global drug trade, fueling addiction and HIV infections.
CrimeMay 27, 202609:58 min
Lines of cocaine on a table

How drug cartels expand their reach across West Africa

How drug cartels expand their reach across West Africa

A meth lab bust in Nigeria is raising new fears about the connection between drug cartels and terrorism in West Africa.
CrimeMay 25, 202619:22 min
Glasses, bottle, can, hand reaching for a glass, set against colored lights

Germany plans to address growing use of date-rape drugs

Germany plans to address growing use of date-rape drugs

Germany's justice minister wants to crack down on the use of date-rape drugs. But victims say more needs to be done.
SocietyMay 24, 2026
A person injects a weight-loss drug into the stomach of another person

India's wedding economy driving a weight-loss drug boom

India's wedding economy driving a weight-loss drug boom

Doctors are warning of a new weight-loss injection craze that is reshaping bridal beauty pressure in India.
CultureMay 16, 202604:39 min
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Skip next section In the spotlight

In the spotlight

Partially submerged hippos are seen swimming close to the Magdalena River in Doradal, Colombia

Will Escobar's 'cocaine hippos' leave Colombia for India?

An Indian billionaire wants to save invasive hippos descended from drug lord Pablo Escobar's private zoo from culling.
CrimeMay 3, 202614:24 min
Nine small, grainy, monochrome images show nine boats, filmed from the sky

US strikes on alleged 'drug boats' spark legal controversy

Critics say attacks on suspected "drug boats" are ineffective and mainly aimed at Trump’s domestic base.
PoliticsApril 18, 2026
A close up photo of Nicolas Maduro wearing a suit

US attempts to paint Nicolas Maduro as a drug baron

He persecuted opponents, rigged elections and ran Venezuela into the ground. But was Maduro also a cocaine dealer?
PoliticsJanuary 10, 2026
Guinea Bissau Army general Horta N'Tam (C) poses with other military leaders after being sworn in as the transition leader and the leader of the High Command in Bissau

Guinea-Bissau's struggle to fight 'narco-state' image

Can Guinea-Bissau's junta realistically banish the nation's reputation of being in the pocket of drug cartels?
PoliticsDecember 8, 2025
Graphic: Trump and Madura against the backdrop of a map of Venezuela

What is the US doing off Venezuela's coast?

The US naval deployment, now called Operation Southern Spear, is setting off alarm bells worldwide.
ConflictsNovember 16, 2025
Grace Garganta speaks out at a protest in front of the ICC in the Hague, Netherlands

Filipino woman who lost family to drug war takes on Duterte

Grace Garganta's father and brother were killed during Duterte's deadly drug war in 2016. Can she finally get justice?
PoliticsOctober 7, 202509:05 min
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