Cocaine

Cocaine found at White House sparked evacuation, US media report

The substance was found in a work area at the secure building during a routine inspection, the US Secret Service said.

The preliminary positive test was reported by the Washington Post and AP News, citing law enforcement sources.

President Joe Biden and his family were away at the Camp David residence when the substance was found.

7 sent to jail in Tonga over cocaine haul

An eighth defendant has been given a suspended sentence.

RNZ Pacific reports the estimated 36kgs of cocaine washed ashore could be worth close to $US8.2 million based on Australian market values.

Not all of it was recovered.

The eight accused were sentenced via video link last month on charges including the supply and possession of the illegal substance.

The sentences ranged from the suspended sentence, to three years' imprisonment, to 13 and half years behind bars with the last two years suspended for two years with conditions.

 

More than $1 billion of cocaine nabbed in Australia's biggest drug bust

The investigation, dubbed "Operation Beech", has led to the arrest of 12 people with alleged links to the Mexican drug cartel.

WA Police Commissioner Col Blanch said the operation spanned six weeks and involved intensive surveillance and resources.

"This was an opportunity to catch the syndicate - the group of people that were capable of receiving it, landing it and then distributing it across Australia," Commissioner Blanch said.

"The message from the WA Police Force is unchanged … we will come after you, regardless of where you live on this earth."

Cocaine haul sparks hunt for Australian trio rescued at sea

The 36-year-old man was apprehended in Darwin and was due to appear in court on Thursday, police said.

The trio was found clinging to an esky cool box off Western Australia (WA) on 1 February.

Police say they claimed they were out fishing when their boat capsized.

But authorities later discovered 365kg of cocaine in at least two locations, sparking a hunt for the men. They are suspected of involvement in an international drug shipment.

Jamal Edwards: Cocaine sparked death of entrepreneur, coroner concludes

An inquest was held at West London coroner's court into Edwards's death at the age of 31 in February.

He was the son of musician and Loose Women host Brenda Edwards.

There was evidence of cocaine toxicity in Edwards' body, assistant coroner Ivor Collett said, adding the cause of death was cardiac arrhythmia, following cocaine use.

The coroner concluded the cause of death was drug-related.

A toxicology report found there was evidence of cocaine use and presence of cocaine and alcohol which probably caused his death.

Adulterated cocaine kills 16 in Buenos Aires

Investigators believe the illegal drug was either laced with some kind of poison or "cut" with another substance.

The regional security minister called on any users who had bought cocaine in the past 24 hours to throw it away.

Reports suggest the drugs were bought in the same shantytown, and nine arrests have been made.

Investigators are awaiting the results of post-mortem examinations to compare drugs seized in raids with those consumed by the victims.

Cocaine and rifle seized in Vava'u

Another man was arrested with a .22 long rifle and ammunition in Longomapu.

 

Both suspects remain in police custody, after Tonga Police Drug Enforcement Taskforce arrested them as part of ongoing drug operations.

 

Acting Deputy Commissioner Detective Halatoa Taufa said that the 49-year-old  from Ta'anea was arrested with the cocaine on Sunday, 14 November.

 

Another 38-year-old man was arrested with one .22 long rifle and more than 700 x .22 ammunition, during a police raid on Tuesday, 23 November at a residence in Longomapu.

 

Canadian national gets hefty jail time in Fiji for possessing 39.5 kg cocaine

Joshua Aziz Rahman was arrested after Police found 39 bars of cocaine weighing a total of 39.5 kg in a house rented by Rahman and his father in Caubati, Suva in February 2019.

Justice Daniel Goundar said Rahman had the option to live a good and decent life but he chose a life of crime.

He said rehabilitation is of little value when the offender does not take responsibility for his crime.

Fijivillage reports Rahman was not present in court today.

He appeared via a zoom link from the Remand Centre.

A non-parole period of 14 years has been set.

 

Kiribati police find cocaine and marijuana packages

A report from KPS said that as illicit drugs are already in the country, people particularly youths, are probably using it.

KPS said the pure cocaine package, weighed 1.5kg while the other package containing marijuana weighed more than 3kg.

The drugs are being kept at the Kiribati Police Headquarters in Betio.

Police have called on the public to report information related to suspected drug use and possession.

Massive amount of cocaine washes up on an Auckland beach

Police officers have been sweeping Bethells Beach since Wednesday night and have uncovered 19 packages filled with the drug.

"It is believed the amount found would have a street value of approximately $3 million dollars," Detective Inspector Colin Parmenter said.

"Police with the assistance of NZ Customs have conducted a thorough search of the beach and surrounding areas in an effort to locate any further packages.

He said more packages could show up on the beach and anyone who finds anything suspicious should contact police as soon as possible.