Drug trafficking
Coverage of Drug trafficking in the Nexus archive.
- DOJ charges 5 Mexican cartel bosses in drug trafficking, timeshare fraud schemes that stole over $400M from Americans
Five CJNG cartel bosses face DOJ charges over drug trafficking and a timeshare fraud scheme that stole $400 million from 6,000 Americans.
- 5 Mexican cartel bosses charged in weapons, drug trafficking, timeshare fraud schemes, DOJ says
The U.S. Department of Justice announced federal charges against five senior members of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) for drug trafficking, weapons offenses, and a timeshare fraud scheme targeting elderly Americans. The fraud involved deceptive tactics like fake government communications and impersonated lawyers to extract payments from victims.
- Nottoway man sentenced to over 15 years in prison for drug trafficking, firearms charges
A Nottoway County man was sentenced to over 15 years in prison for federal drug trafficking and firearms charges. The sentencing occurred on Tuesday as part of a federal prosecution.
- Military retires ‘Southern Spear’ anti-drug operation for Western Hemisphere task force
The U.S. military has retired the Joint Task Force-Southern Spear, a joint operation targeting drug-carrying vessels from Central and South America, and replaced it with a new command structure for the Western Hemisphere. The transition took effect at midnight on Monday.
- Detroit police seize $75K in cocaine, fentanyl during drug trafficking investigation; 6 arrested
Detroit police arrested six individuals and seized over $75,000 worth of suspected cocaine and fentanyl during a drug trafficking investigation. The operation, which included searches at two locations with assistance from Michigan State Police, led to four felony and two misdemeanor arrests, with the investigation ongoing.
- Three charged in international drug trafficking case
Three dual Canadian-American citizens from Akwesasne are facing federal charges in a significant international drug trafficking case involving smuggling operations across the U.S.-Canada border. Federal prosecutors described the case as one of the most notable in their office's history.
- Ugandan woman held in Bengaluru over Chittoor drug seizure
A Ugandan woman was arrested in Bengaluru in connection with a drug seizure near Varigapalle, Chittoor, involving 70 grams of synthetic drugs valued at ₹4 lakh. Police stated she previously faced drug trafficking charges in Bengaluru and remained in India after her visa expired.
- Dutchess Co. launches new unit targeting drug trafficking, repeat offenders
Dutchess County District Attorney's Office has launched the Smart Prosecution, Strategic Intelligence and Violence Elimination Unit to target individuals and networks responsible for drug trafficking and repeat criminal activity. The unit uses criminal intelligence, data analysis, and coordinated prosecution strategies to identify repeat offenders.
- Arrest of special educators in drug trafficking case: Kerala Police initiate property forfeiture proceedings
Kerala Police have initiated property forfeiture proceedings against special educators arrested in a drug trafficking case. The action aims to deprive the accused of assets allegedly obtained through illicit trafficking and disrupt financial incentives supporting organized drug networks.
- Man sentenced to 12 years for role in drug trafficking, kidnapping in the Twin Cities
Richar Mujica was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison for his role in a drug trafficking and kidnapping operation in the Twin Cities. He was part of a group that transported methamphetamine from Mexico and allegedly participated in a kidnapping linked to debt collection.
- Austin PD's months-long investigation leads to 8 arrests, massive recovery of stolen property
Austin Police Department's months-long investigation resulted in 8 arrests and the recovery of stolen property. The operation targeted an organized criminal enterprise involved in mail theft, identity fraud, drug trafficking, and gun violations.
- Man sentenced additional time after leading drug trafficking conspiracy while in prison
Terrance Edward Brown, 44, was sentenced to an additional 18 years and 8 months in prison for leading a drug trafficking conspiracy while incarcerated. He was convicted of conspiracy to manufacture, distribute, and possess drugs including cocaine, fentanyl, para-fluorofentanyl, and heroin, as well as conspiracy to launder money.
- Teachers’ arrest: Kozhikode Rural police zero in on more suspects in drug trafficking case
Two special educators were arrested in a major drug trafficking case, prompting Kozhikode Rural police to investigate additional suspects by examining call detail records and bank transaction details.
- Honduran ex-president returns home after Trump pardon
Honduran ex-president Juan Orlando Hernandez returned to his home country after being pardoned by President Donald Trump for a 45-year drug trafficking sentence in the United States.
- Former Honduras president Hernandez returns home after Trump pardon
Honduran ex-president Juan Orlando Hernandez returned to his country on Sunday after US President Donald Trump pardoned his 45-year prison sentence for drug trafficking. Hernandez arrived at Palmerola Airport near Tegucigalpa and was greeted by family and supporters, with one supporter expressing excitement about his return.
- Hampton man sentenced following federal drug and firearms offenses
A 29-year-old man from Hampton, Virginia, was sentenced to five years and eight months in prison for federal drug distribution and firearm offenses. The Department of Justice reported the charges involved cocaine possession with intent to distribute and firearm possession related to drug trafficking.
- Minnesota woman convicted after fentanyl bust with child in the car
A Minnesota woman was convicted for trafficking hundreds of grams of fentanyl in 2024. During an arrest, officers found her 6-year-old son in the car and a loaded handgun. The case involved drug distribution with an undercover officer and resulted in a minimum 10-year prison sentence.
- June 1 trial date set for Venezuela's Nicolás Maduro in his US drug trafficking case
Former President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores will face a June 1 trial in the U.S. on drug trafficking charges. Their lawyers are challenging the indictment's legality, arguing the U.S. military's seizure of them was unlawful.
- Maduro trial date set for June 2027 as drug trafficking case against ousted Venezuelan leader proceeds
Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores had a preliminary hearing in a New York federal court for a drug trafficking case, with a trial date set for June 1, 2027. They were captured in January by U.S. special forces and face charges including drug trafficking, kidnapping, and murder. A prior 2020 indictment against Maduro also exists.
- Venezuela’s Maduro in court for pre-trial hearing in US drug trafficking case
Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores have been held in a Brooklyn jail since a US military raid seized them from their Caracas home in January. Both pleaded not guilty to drug trafficking charges and Maduro is objecting to the US military action that led to their arrest.
- Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro back to court for pretrial hearing in U.S. drug trafficking case
Nicolás Maduro will return to a New York courtroom for a pretrial hearing in a U.S. drug trafficking case. His lawyers continue to object to the U.S. military action that removed Venezuela’s president from power.
- Alleged drug dealers in Colorado arrested during federal operation
Three individuals were arrested in Colorado on June 16 during a federal operation targeting alleged drug dealers. FBI agents from South Dakota and Denver seized 17 guns during the operation.
- Honduran man sentenced to 16 years for drug trafficking in Bay Area
A 30-year-old Honduran man was sentenced to 16 years in federal prison for selling narcotics in Oakland and San Francisco. Maxfer Palma was convicted by a jury on Mar. 2 following a five-day trial and faces incarceration for drug trafficking.
- The US military campaign to stop drug trafficking has failed. It’s time to move on.
The US military campaign to stop drug trafficking has failed to achieve its core goals and is consuming significant military manpower and munitions. The article argues this is problematic given current resource constraints.
- Sinaloa cartel leader gets life sentence
Ismael 'El Mayo' Zambada García, a Sinaloa cartel leader, was sentenced to life in prison after pleading guilty to drug trafficking charges. The sentence includes a $15 billion forfeiture and is tied to trafficking at least 1.5 million kilograms of cocaine.
- Sinaloa cartel cofounder El Mayo faces life sentence in Brooklyn federal court
El Mayo, a co-founder of the Sinaloa cartel, is set to receive a life sentence in a Brooklyn federal court for drug trafficking.
- Sinaloa cartel cofounder El Mayo faces life sentence in Brooklyn federal court
El Mayo, a cofounder of the Sinaloa cartel, is set to receive a life sentence in a Brooklyn federal court for drug trafficking. The sentencing follows charges related to drug trafficking activities.
- Sinaloa cartel cofounder El Mayo faces life sentence in Brooklyn federal court
El Mayo, a cofounder of the Sinaloa cartel, is set to receive a life sentence in a Brooklyn federal court for drug trafficking.
- Sinaloa cartel cofounder El Mayo faces life sentence in Brooklyn federal court
El Mayo, a cofounder of the Sinaloa cartel, is set to receive a life sentence in a Brooklyn federal court for drug trafficking. The sentencing follows charges related to drug trafficking activities.
- Former Mexican drug lord Ismael ‘El Mayo’ Zambada set to be sentenced to life in prison
Ismael 'El Mayo' Zambada is set to be sentenced to life in prison in the U.S. following a guilty plea to drug trafficking charges.
- Former Mexican drug lord Ismael ‘El Mayo’ Zambada set to be sentenced to life in prison
Ismael Zambada, co-founder of the Sinaloa cartel, is set to receive a life sentence in a U.S. court after pleading guilty to drug trafficking charges. He and Joaquín Guzmán expanded the cartel into the world’s largest drug trafficking organization, flooding the U.S. with cocaine, fentanyl, and methamphetamine.
- Woman faces felony drug trafficking charge after arrest in Richmond County
Whitney Marie Smith, a 26-year-old woman from Asheboro, was arrested in Richmond County for allegedly injecting heroin in a judicial center parking lot. Deputies found additional syringes and grams of heroin in her vehicle, leading to felony drug trafficking charges and a misdemeanor for possessing drug paraphernalia.
- Six busted on Long Island in one of largest gun, drug trafficking takedowns in Nassau County’s history
Six individuals were arrested and charged in a major gun and drug trafficking bust in Nassau County, as reported by the local district attorney’s office. The operation is considered one of the largest in the county's history.
- Saratoga County man sentenced on drug trafficking, 'ghost gun' charges
A Saratoga County man was sentenced for drug trafficking and 'ghost gun' charges. Tamaryn Bennett, 27, was sentenced by Judge James Davis in a case handled by the Saratoga County District Attorney's Office.
- Wanted drug trafficker puts Sierra Leone’s development aid at risk
A wanted drug trafficker is putting Sierra Leone’s development aid at risk as the Dutch government urges the EU to cut support unless Jos Leijdekkers is extradited.
- Lakshadweep MP meets Kerala CM, seeks the State’s support for healthcare and connectivity improvements
Lakshadweep MP M. Hamdullah Sayeed met Kerala CM to request support for healthcare and connectivity improvements, highlighting financial struggles of islanders seeking treatment in Kerala. He called for a dedicated help desk at local hospitals, improved vessel services from Beypore, and measures to combat rising drug trafficking.
- At least 46 charged, 94 firearms seized in Palm Beach County as part of ATF’s ‘Operation Hurricane’
At least 46 people were charged and 94 firearms were seized in Palm Beach County during the ATF’s two-month ‘Operation Hurricane’ targeting gun violence, drug trafficking, and violent crime. The multi-agency effort involved local and federal authorities, including the Department of Justice and Homeland Security Task Force.
- 16 Arrested, 22 charged in Putnam County drug trafficking operation
Putnam County authorities, along with six state and federal agencies, arrested 16 individuals and charged 22 people with drug trafficking offenses on Thursday.
- Canadian drug kingpin sentenced in Southern California trafficking case
A Canadian man, Guramrit Sidhu of Brampton, Ontario, was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for leading an international drug trafficking organization operating in Southern California after pleading guilty.
- Canadian fugitive drug trafficker captured while working out in Colombia
Canadian fugitive Arif Jhuman was captured while working out at a gym in Medellín, Colombia. He is a drug trafficker wanted for a cross-border firearm-smuggling plot and had been on the run for over three years.