Drug Trafficking

Police seize thousands of grams of illicit drug, tens of thousands of shekels in Bat Yam

In a separate incident on Thursday, police investigated a shooting in Ramle that killed one person and seriously injured another.

|ByCORINNE BAUM
Illicit drugs seized by Israel Police in Bat Yam on May 20, 2026.
Drugs smuggled from the Netherlands to Israel in the mail, May 14, 2026.

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
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

As Gaza ceasefire holds, Trump shifts focus from Middle East to Asia, South America - analysis

As tensions ease in Gaza, Trump’s diplomatic push toward Asia and South America marks a strategic pivot, with trade deals and peace efforts on the horizon.

OCTOBER 27, 2025BySETH J. FRANTZMAN
US President Donald Trump meets with Japan's Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, Japan October 27, 2025

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.