Illegal drug trade

Police in violence-plagued Ecuador arrested 68 people Sunday who had attempted to take over a hospital in the country's southwest in the midst of a "war" between drug gangs and the security forces.

Drug smugglers in the European Union have become so "very creative" that the bloc's seaports should join forces to combat their ever-changing tactics, Belgian Interior Minister Annelies Verlinden has said.

The Maltese-flagged bulk carrier "Verila", owned by Bulgaria's Navigation Maritime Bulgare, has been cleared by Irish authorities following the discovery of around 300 kilograms of cocaine. The vessel is now set to resume operations from Foynes Port.

Foreign, interior and defense ministers of Andean countries will hold an urgent meeting this weekend to discuss the problem of cross-border drug crime that has plunged Ecuador into a security crisis, Peru's government said on Jan. 15.

Peruvian Prime Minister Alberto Otarola told reporters the meeting in Lima on Jan. 21 will focus on ways to confront transnational crime.

Sri Lanka's police announced yesterday the arrests of nearly 15,000 people during a week-long military-backed anti-narcotics drive, a crackdown denounced by rights activists.

Police said their operation, code-named "Yuktiya" or "Justice," led to the seizure of almost 440 kilograms (970 pounds) of narcotics, including 272 kg of cannabis, 35 kg of hashish and nine kilograms of heroin.

Irish law enforcement has seized the Bulgarian vessel "Verila" owned by the "Navigation Maritime Bulgare" Shipping Company at the Foynes port in County Limerick, uncovering a staggering cache of narcotics. Reports suggest that between 300 to 500 kilograms of cocaine were discovered onboard, with an estimated street value ranging from €20 million to €35 million.

Two men, aged 63 and 34, have been arrested in the southern Peloponnese city of Kalamata for the illicit possession and trafficking of drugs and weapons, authorities said on Monday.

Hint: Some people who brewed Moonshine (a type of whiskey) did it in the middle of a forest or meadow

European officials state they are concerned accused drug traffickers are using Turkey’s citizenship laws to evade trial in other countries

A 16-year-old girl remains in critical condition after she was hospitalized last week at the General Hospital of Athens Korgialeneio - Benakeio Hellenic Red Cross from drug use. On Tuesday morning, six people relating to the incident were arrested for drug trafficking.