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Balkan Cartel Busted
Balkan Cartel Busted: Eight Tons of Cocaine Seized, Dozens Arrested Across Europe
European police forces have arrested around 40 individuals in a prolonged operation targeting a significant drug smuggling cartel, resulting in the seizure of eight tons of cocaine, Europol announced Thursday.
The cartel, with leaders based in Turkey and Dubai, suffered a major setback following a final series of arrests on Wednesday, according to the Hague-based police coordination agency.
Oscar Esteban Remacha, head of the anti-drug trafficking unit at Spain’s Guardia Civil, stated at a news conference in Madrid that the network had “the capacity to transport tons and tons of cocaine all over the world.”
Europol released images and a nearly 10-minute video on Thursday, showing K-9 dogs and officers uncovering bags of suspected drugs and detaining multiple suspects. The video also captures a boat being intercepted at sea, with officers unloading bags of suspected narcotics.
The final phase of the operation commenced in August 2023, when the Guardia Civil discovered 1,540 pounds of cocaine on a boat off the Canary Islands, crewed by Croatian and Italian citizens. Spain, due to its ties with Latin America and proximity to Morocco, serves as a major entry point for drugs into Europe.
Upon sharing their findings with other police forces, investigators identified connections to previous seizures, leading to the identification of the cartel’s leaders. Europol indicated that many network members were from Balkan countries.
Approximately 40 individuals were arrested across six countries, including two top Croatian members detained in Istanbul late last year. The last four arrests occurred on Wednesday in Spain.
An AFP journalist reported that heavily armed Guardia Civil officers arrested a 40-year-old suspect during a dawn raid at his home in Marbella, a Mediterranean seaside resort.
“This is one of the biggest operations against the Balkan cartels to date,” said Tomislav Stambuk, a Croatian police officer, at the news conference. “Serious assessments are that the Balkan cartel is responsible for the supply of more than half of the cocaine in Europe.”
Europol noted that the network’s assets, valued at several tens of millions of euros, had been seized or frozen. The smugglers transported cocaine from South America to logistical hubs in West Africa and the Canary Islands, before distributing it to centers in Belgium, Croatia, Germany, Italy, and Spain.
The bust occurs amid a surge in cocaine production, according to Robert Fay, head of Europol’s narcotics department. Cocaine seizures at European ports have reached record levels, and Fay expressed concern over the rise in drug-related violence across the continent.
“We see bombings, killings, professional assassinations, shootings happening almost every day in the European Union,” Fay said.
The arrests in Spain follow the country’s “biggest-ever seizure” of crystal meth, 1.8 tons, attempted by Mexico’s Sinaloa Cartel last month.
Globally, other major cocaine busts have been reported. Recently, Colombian naval officers seized two semisubmersible vessels carrying nearly five tons of cocaine in the Pacific Ocean. The U.S. Coast Guard offloaded $63 million worth of cocaine in Florida after a high-speed shootout in the Caribbean Sea, and the French Navy confiscated 2.4 tons of cocaine from a fishing boat in the Atlantic Ocean.
Colombia remains the world’s largest cocaine producer, responsible for about 60% of global production.
Diaspora Watch: Unpacking Global Connections and Diasporic Experiences
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In a world where global connections are redefining identities, cultures, and nations, the 36th edition of Diaspora Watch delves into the complexities of transnationalism, cosmopolitanism, and creolization.
This edition brings together diverse perspectives on diaspora, from the experiences of African diasporic communities to the evolving notion of diaspora itself.
As we reflect on the changing landscapes of diaspora, we are reminded of the power of global connections in shaping our understanding of identity, culture, and belonging.
From Peter Obi’s advocacy for electoral transparency in Nigeria to the trailblazing leadership of Aisha Braveboy in Maryland politics, this edition of Diaspora Watch celebrates the achievements and contributions of diasporic communities worldwide.
We also examine the intricate relationships between diaspora, globalization, and power, as seen in the impact of USAID funds on terrorism, including Boko Haram, and the freezing of mineral exports in Malawi.
Furthermore, we explore the role of social media in transforming lives, as exemplified by Peller’s journey from carpentry to earning millions on TikTok.
Get your copy of Diaspora Watch’s 36th edition today and stay ahead of the curve on the latest news, trends, and analysis from around the world!
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- Diaspora Watch Vol, 36 – Unpacking Global Connections and Diasporic Experiences
Welcome to the 32nd edition of Diaspora Watch, your premier source of news, insights, and analysis on the global diaspora community. In this edition, we delve into the most pressing issues affecting diaspora communities worldwide, from politics and economics to social justice and culture.
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Our cover headlines are as diverse as they are impactful. We examine Nigeria’s lavish military retirement perks, which have raised eyebrows and ire among citizens. We also report on the devastating earthquake that struck Tibet, killing at least 95 people and injuring 130 others.
In the world of politics, we cover President Biden’s honoring of 19 exceptional individuals with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, as well as Austria’s precarious political situation as coalition talks collapse.
In addition, we celebrate the achievements of outstanding individuals, including Abbie Stockard, the newly crowned Miss America 2025, and Demi Moore, who won her first Golden Globe Award for her role in “The Substance.” We also report on Microsoft’s record $80 billion investment in AI infrastructure and CARICOM Chair Mia Mottley’s ambitious agenda for 2025.
Other notable stories in this edition include the massive fire that destroyed Kantamanto Market in Ghana, affecting over 30,000 traders, and Nigeria’s travel advisory for citizens traveling to Australia.
We also profile Nigeria-born Derek Obialo, who was sworn in as Associate Judge of the 240th District Court in Texas.
As always, Diaspora Watch is committed to providing you with the most comprehensive and engaging coverage of the global diaspora community. We hope you enjoy this edition and look forward to your feedback.
Dignitaries, Chiefs, Others In Attendance As PCNI Austin Branch Celebrates End of Year Party In Texas
It was a night of glamour and excitement as the Austin Branch of the People’s Club of Nigeria International (PCNI) held its end of year party on Saturday, November 30, 2024.Diaspora Watch reports that the well-attended event, which took place at Wingate by Wyndham Round Rock Hotel and Conference Center, Texas, was a celebration of the branch’s achievements and a show of appreciation to God for His blessings throughout the year.
In his address, Hon. Chief Chris Lemchi, the Action Chairman of PCNI Austin Branch who doubles as Akudo 1 of Okwelle Ancient Kingdom welcomed guests and appreciated the presence of dignitaries from various branches of the club.
The event was also graced by the presence of Patron-Elect Ichie Napoleon Onyeje, Mirienweiro, Hon. Patron Chief Dr. Don Ibekwe, Ulu Nimo from Galveston Branch, Patron, Chief Dr. Onyekachi Okoro, Patron-Elect, First National PCNI Vice President Emeritus, Chairman Emeritus, Secretary Emeritus Dallas Branch and the Sponsoring Chairman of our awesome Austin Branch, Assistant National Secretary Hon. Emmanuel Onwukamuche, Secretary Emeritus, First International Branch Houston, High Chief Humphrey Enyioha, Ikoroukwu Texarkana Branch, Hon. Chief Bright Nwokocha, Ugwumba, Chairman Emeritus, First International Branch – Houston, Hon. Nze Dr. Bon Ikwuagwu, Omekaozuo, Chairman 1st International Branch Houston, Hon. Ichie High Chief Sir Dr. Peter I. Okafor, Agbawodike Izu, Chairman Emeritus Dallas, Hon. Chief Chris Ogbuehi, Chairman-Elect – Dallas, Hon. Prince Ike Ginigeme, Founding Chairman Waco Branch, Hon. Chief Dr. Emma Igwe – Founding Chairman Texarkana Branch, Hon. Chief Dr. Emma Igwe, Founding Chairman Texarkana Branch, and Hon. Chief Clara Obidike-Egbim, Okwuru Okarisia 1 of Ebikoro Kingdom, Anyanwu Nwanneka – Founding Chairman of People’s Club of Nigeria- Gainesville Branch and PA to PCNI International President.
Other dignitaries included the President General of Enyimba, Honorable Ubabuike, UBA, Chief Martin Osuji, president Coal City, Chief Francis Odu, president Enyimba Austin, and Chief Fred Ojiyi, President IPC, Hon. Chief Chris Lemchi, Akudo 1 Of Okwelle Ancient Kingdom, Action Chairman PCNI Austin Branch, First Lady, Lolo Rachel Lemchi, Kpakpandudiya, Adakekeocha and Patron-Elect Ichie Napoleon Onyeje, Mirienweiro.
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Diaspora Watch – Vol. 36
Diaspora Watch 20th Edition (October 14-20, 2024): Your Trusted Source for Global News and Insights
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