News briefing – Week of 22 May

The medical journal Scientific Reports unveiled that cocaine was more addictive than first thought, the drug being able to cause addiction after just one use, even amongst recreational cocaine users. The study showed that dopamine release may trigger the same addiction on non-dependant users than on cocaine dependent users and way earlier than previous studies asserted.

Details

News briefing – Week of 15 May

Spanish and Ecuadorian authorities seized 5 tonnes of cocaine hidden in a cargo vessel at Santa Elena, Ecuador, and bound to Spain via Panama. The haul is estimated at $250m and is considered as one of the largest cocaine seizures to date. Twenty individuals were arrested on charges of drug trafficking.

Details

News briefing – Week of 8 May

The government of Guatemala declared a state of emergency in the Ixchiguan and Tajumulco municipalities, at the border of Mexico, which have known a surge in drug-related violence, Guatemala being a transit hub for Mexican and South American drug cartels. Troops will be sent to the two cities to prevent criminal gangs from operating.

Details