smuggling

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.

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.

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 has detained two Japanese nationals on smuggling charges, with one case possibly involving strategic rare-earth-related exports.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

The ongoing conflict in Sudan has disrupted local insulin production, leading to shortages and forcing patients to rely on expensive, smuggled supplies.

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 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.

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.

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 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.

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.