Drug Trafficking

Israeli arrested in Netherlands on suspicion of drug trafficking, being in int'l smuggling ring

Police noted that the investigation is still ongoing, and additional suspects are expected to be arrested in Israel and other European countries.

|ByMIRIAM SELA-EITAM
Drugs smuggled from the Netherlands to Israel in the mail, May 14, 2026.
US President Donald Trump shakes hands with Chinese President Xi Jinping as they hold a bilateral meeting at Gimhae International Airport, on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, in Busan, South Korea, October 30, 2025.

Five arrested in China-US joint operation targeting drug trafficking

A joint China-US anti-narcotics operation led to five arrests and the seizure of synthetic opioids like protonitazene and bromazolam in multiple locations across both countries.

|ByREUTERS
A view of a Royal Jordanian Air Force aircraft before the airdrop operation of aid over Gaza on August 14, 2025.

Jordan is enforcing a red line in Syria via airstrikes - analysis

The Kingdom of Jordan has carried out airstrikes in Syria targeting drug smugglers near Sweida.

|BySETH J. FRANTZMAN
A view of the drugs seized in a successful operation carried out by the Anti-Narcotics Directorate in the Jaramana district of Rif Dimashq province, displayed at the Anti-Narcotics Directorate in Damascus, Syria on April 15, 2026.

Syria cracks down on Hezbollah plots, drug smuggling

Syria is cracking down on terrorist plots and drug trade, busting Iran-backed terror cells and shutting down Hezbollah-linked smuggling plots.

|BySETH J. FRANTZMAN

Syria arrests Assad relative tied to $2 billion Captagon empire

Authorities say Namir Badi’ Assad was seized in Al-Qardaha with alleged partners as part of a wider post-regime crackdown on drug and arms networks.

OCTOBER 19, 2025ByRIZIK ALABI/THE MEDIA LINE
Namir Assad.