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Drugs

Drugs
The latest news, analysis and opinion on Drugs. In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.
A person vapes during a hike in Negeri Sembilan state, Malaysia. Photo: Shutterstock
Malaysia

‘Just ask for it’: Malaysia’s vape crackdown fails to break the habit

An estimated 1.4 million Malaysian adults vape, despite existing curbs. Many say new laws will simply push them back to cigarettes.

The Philippines

Families of Philippine drug war victims seek ICC justice as Duterte trial looms

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Thailand

Thai police don lion dance costume to pounce on unsuspecting burglar

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Americas and the Caribbean

11 killed in US strikes on 3 more alleged drug boats

It was one of the deadliest days in the Trump administration’s months-long campaign, and brings the toll to at least 145 fatalities.

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The US military did not provide evidence that the vessels were ferrying drugs but posted videos on social media that showed boats being destroyed.
Crime in Hong Kong

Hong Kong customs arrests 4, seizes HK$140 million of smuggled illicit medicines

Suspects aged between 26 and 61 held as officers uncover smuggled slimming and cosmetic injections as well as erectile dysfunction pills.

Hong Kong aviation

Video | Man takes out his anger on Hong Kong airport kiosks

Viral video shows man toppling self-check-in kiosks with a stanchion before being arrested.

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The Philippines

Philippine senators Go, Dela Rosa helped Duterte wage drug war: ICC prosecutors

The two sitting senators are among eight officials linked to the ex-president’s crimes against humanity charges, an ICC document says.

Former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte listens to then police director general Ronald Dela Rosa during a press conference on January 30, 2017. Photo: AFP
United States

3 dead in latest US strike on suspected drug vessel in Caribbean

The attack raises the death toll from the Trump administration’s strikes on ‘narcoterrorists’ in the Caribbean and Pacific to 133.

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China-Latin America relations

Brazil breaks up China-linked US$190m money-laundering ring tied to crime gang

Prosecutors claim Chinese-run distribution network concealed revenue, evaded tax obligations and fostered money laundering of drug proceeds.

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Crime in Hong Kong

Driver, passenger arrested after BMW hits 3 vehicles in Hong Kong

Two officers and taxi driver hurt after BMW driver tries to evade police.

Police arrested two people in the BMW after it hit a taxi and two other vehicles. Photo: Handout
United States

US military laser tech and cartel drones stir airspace confusion in Texas

El Paso flights resume after conflicting reports of Mexican cartel drone incursions and uncoordinated Pentagon laser testing.

A U.S. military officer uses binoculars while surveilling near the border wall between the United States and Mexico, after Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said she ruled out a U.S. military intervention to combat drug cartels, following a “good conversation” on Monday with U.S. President Donald Trump on security and drug trafficking, as seen from Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, January 12, 2026. REUTERS/Jose Luis Gonzalez
Americas and the Caribbean

Colombia’s president says he escaped assassination attempt while in helicopter

Gustavo Petro says his helicopter had to evade people who ‘were going to shoot’ at it, forcing him to fly over open sea for hours.

Mexico

Mexico says 5 of 10 workers kidnapped from Canadian miner found dead

The workers were kidnapped on January 23 from a silver mining project in Mexico’s violence-plagued Sinaloa state.

Australia

Australian drug lord Tony Mokbel walks free: ‘I don’t regret anything’

The court dropped a planned retrial for the Melbourne mobster, who inspired the ‘Underbelly’ TV series, after the police informant scandal.

Tony Mokbel leaves the Victorian Court of Appeal in Melbourne on September 3, 2025. Photo: AFP
Americas and the Caribbean

US destroys another alleged drug boat in Pacific, killing 2

Latest strike brings the death toll from the Trump administration’s maritime campaign to at least 128 since September.

The alleged drug boat moments before the US strike. Photo: US Southern Command via X
Medicine

‘Save a fortune’: Trump unveils TrumpRx discount drug site

New platform connects American patients directly to drug makers with promised price cuts on popular medications like Ozempic.

Donald Trump

Trump and Colombia’s Petro appear to bury hatchet after months of tensions

US president calls Gustavo Petro ‘terrific’ after their first face-to-face encounter, following months of trading barbs.

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Germany

Chinese man on trial in Munich for raping sedated partner, echoing Pelicot case

The 27-year-old faces trial for drugging, raping, and filming his Chinese girlfriend, and is charged with attempted murder and aggravated rape.

Munich Regional Court. Photo: Shutterstock
Malaysia

Couple from China arrested in Malaysia after raid on luxury condo drug lab

Police also seized drugs worth US$41,867 from the residential unit in Kuala Lumpur.

Spain

Spain busts cocaine trafficking ring that used ‘floating bases’ at sea

Spain seizes 10 tonnes of drugs and arrests 105 suspects, while Portugal intercepts a record haul from a ‘narco-sub’.

Crime

Ex-Olympian pleads not guilty to running billion-dollar drug empire

Lawyer for FBI ‘most wanted’ fugitive denies alleged kingpin turned himself in at the US embassy in Mexico.

Ryan Wedding being is escorted off a plane by the FBI in Ontario, California on Friday. Photo: FBI via AP
The Philippines

Duterte vs ICC: judges reject ‘unfit’ plea, set date for drug war case

The 80-year-old faces a February hearing on crimes against humanity after the court rejected defence arguments that he was unfit to take part.

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Rodrigo Duterte addresses troops during the Armed Forces’ 82nd anniversary in Quezon City in December 2017. Photo: AP
US-Venezuela conflict

US kills 2 in first known strike on alleged drug boat since Maduro’s capture

The attack left one survivor, and the coastguard has been notified to launch search and rescue operations.

Wellness

Weight rebound after stopping Ozempic, Wegovy? Not necessarily, new data says

New research suggests that many people who stop using GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic maintain their weight loss, countering previous studies.

Donald Trump

Diversify or die: Asian firms face trade uncertainty amid Trump’s Mexico threats

The president’s call for strikes against drug cartels in Mexico and Colombia will add to the cost of trading with the US, analysts say.

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Mexico’s Manzanillo seaport, a critical gateway for trade between Asia and the Americas, is seen in May last year after its expansion. Photo: Reuters
Americas and the Caribbean

Guatemala declares 30-day state of emergency after gangs kill 8 police officers

The measure, pending approval by the opposition-led Congress, suspends assembly rights and allows arrests without a court order.

Inmates gather at a watch tower a Renovacion 1 prison as riots erupt in three Guatemalan prisons, with hostages taken, authorities said on Saturday. Photo: Reuters
Myanmar

Video | Police find village-sized meth labs in Myanmar jungle

Junta authorities said they made the discovery after regaining control of land previously run by rebel groups.

US-Venezuela conflict

Trump prevails in US Senate showdown over Venezuela war powers

A 51–50 vote kills war powers resolution after Trump pressure flips two key Republican defectors.

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