Smuggling
Coverage of Smuggling in the Nexus archive.
- Toucans rehabilitated after harsh smuggling across border
Over a dozen keel-billed toucans smuggled across the U.S.-Mexico border have been rehabilitated at the Bronx Zoo.
- IDF begins work on Jordan Valley security berm, carving scar through Palestinian farms
The IDF has started constructing a security berm in the Jordan Valley, described as a patrol road and natural obstacle to prevent smuggling and terrorism. However, local Palestinians claim the project is cutting them off from productive land and could lead to $200 million in annual economic losses.
- Panama Fights Back After Report Calls Its Free Zone a Smuggler’s Haven
Panama has rejected a report that labeled its Colon Free Zone as a smuggling hub, defending the zone against reputational damage. The report criticized the largest duty-free zone in the Americas for being a smuggler's haven.
- Border agents uncover $3.7M in cocaine masquerading as a cucumber delivery
CBP agents seized $3.7 million worth of cocaine hidden in a tractor-trailer shipment of cucumbers at the Pharr International Bridge in Texas. The 278.88-pound haul was discovered during a canine inspection and imaging scan, highlighting ongoing smuggling challenges despite a decline in border crossings.
- Border agents uncover $3.7M in cocaine masquerading as a cucumber delivery
CBP agents seized $3.7 million in cocaine disguised as cucumbers at the Pharr International Bridge in Texas. The 278.88-pound haul highlights ongoing smuggling challenges despite a decline in border crossings. CBP has recently intercepted multiple drug-laden shipments, including those disguised as roses and carrots.
- China detains two Japanese nationals on smuggling charges
China has detained two Japanese nationals on smuggling charges, with one case possibly involving strategic rare-earth-related exports.
- Japan says that China has detained 2 of its citizens suspected of smuggling banned items
Japan reports China detained two of its citizens suspected of smuggling banned items, potentially linked to rare earths. Chinese authorities confirmed the detentions but provided no details, while Japanese officials emphasized privacy and ongoing investigations. The case adds to strained bilateral relations, which have been affected by previous disputes over exports and espionage charges.
- Sudan: Al-Gezira Wali Announces Measures With Neighboring States to Curb Smuggling
Al-Gezira State Wali Al-Tahir Ibrahim Al-Khair inspected a major smuggling seizure in northern Al-Gezira, carried out by a joint force including the Anti-Smuggling Directorate, Military Intelligence, and General Intelligence Service. The Wali announced measures with neighboring states to curb smuggling.
- Karipur gold case unveils rival smuggling, dacoity network
The Karipur gold case has exposed a rival smuggling and dacoity network. Key details revolve around the uncovering of criminal activities linked to gold smuggling and banditry.
- Spain’s former PM faces tax fraud inquiry as police find €1.3m of jewellery
Spain’s former PM José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero is under investigation for tax fraud and smuggling after police found €1.3m in jewelry in his office safe. He is also being probed for influence-peddling related to the state bailout of Plus Ultra airline during the pandemic.
- Iranian national pleads guilty in scheme to smuggle military related technology to Iran via China
An Iranian national pleaded guilty to federal felonies related to a scheme to violate trade sanctions against Iran by smuggling military-related technology through China. The case was addressed in U.S. District Court in Seattle.
- Influencer, 23, jailed for smuggling £150,000 of cannabis was posting about her lavish lifestyle just days before being put behind bars
A 23-year-old influencer was jailed for smuggling £150,000 worth of cannabis and had been posting about her lavish lifestyle days before her arrest.
- ‘Spoiled insulin’: Sudan war disrupts drug supplies, fuelling smuggling
The ongoing conflict in Sudan has disrupted local insulin production, leading to shortages and forcing patients to rely on expensive, smuggled supplies.
- SoCal man sentenced for smuggling at least 1,700 reptiles into U.S. from Mexico
A Ventura County man was sentenced to more than five years in prison for smuggling at least 1,700 reptiles from Mexico, as reported by the DOJ.
- India orders demolition drive along border as Pakistan tensions simmer
India has ordered a demolition drive along its border with Pakistan amid simmering tensions. The interior minister called for addressing infiltration, narcotics, smuggling, and other trans-border crimes.
- District of Arizona Charges 389 Individuals for Immigration-Related Criminal Conduct this Week
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona charged 389 individuals with immigration-related crimes from May 16 to May 22, 2026, including 170 cases of illegal re-entry, 191 cases of illegal entry, and 23 cases involving smuggling of illegal aliens.
- Influencer, 23, who tried to smuggle cannabis worth £150,000 into Britain through airport after Thailand trip is jailed for 16 months
A 23-year-old influencer was sentenced to 16 months in prison for attempting to smuggle £150,000 worth of cannabis into Britain via an airport following a trip to Thailand. The case highlights drug trafficking enforcement in international travel corridors.
- US forces detain Iran-linked tanker Tifani with ceasefire talks on edge
US forces detained the Iran-linked tanker Tifani under a policy targeting Tehran-connected vessels. The ship is sanctioned for smuggling Iranian crude oil, amid ongoing ceasefire talks.
- Guatemalan man pleads guilty in federal court in crash that killed over 50 in Mexico
A Guatemalan man pleaded guilty in a U.S. federal court to involvement in a 2021 truck crash in Mexico that killed over 50 people. The incident was linked to illegal migrant smuggling efforts. The guilty plea acknowledges his role in the fatal accident.