Latest news Strike against drug trafficking in Australia: 1600 arrests
Australian police have arrested more than 1,600 suspects in a major crackdown on drug trafficking and organized crime. The so-called "Operation Vitreus" ran from August 19 to 23 and aimed to reduce the availability of illegal drugs nationwide, according to state and regional investigative authorities.
27.08.2024, 07:38
27.08.2024, 16:23
SDA
The police confiscated almost 1,400 kilograms of drugs and 2,500 cannabis plants with an estimated total value of 93 million Australian dollars (around 56 million euros). The drugs seized include heroin, methylamphetamine, cocaine, MDMA and ketamine. Dave Cowan from Victoria Police spoke of an "incredible result", which highlights the seemingly insatiable demand for illegal drugs in Australia.
Nitazene on the rise
Cannabis and methylamphetamine are the most commonly consumed drugs Down Under. However, the use of Nitazenes has also increased recently, according to the law enforcement agency ACIC. These are very strong synthetic opioids that have never been approved as a medicine for humans. Overdose deaths are also becoming increasingly common, it said. Nitazene is now also being mixed with other drugs.
