Australian authorities have seized nearly A$9 million worth of cocaine hidden in a refrigerated shipping container at Port Botany, New South Wales. The Australian Border Force identified the suspicious consignment through an x-ray examination, leading to the discovery of 22 blocks totaling approximately 27kg, confirming the presence of cocaine.
The oil tanker Talara, seized by Iranian forces, has been released without its cargo. The crew is safe and in good spirits. This incident raises concerns about Iran’s targeting of merchant ships amid ongoing tensions. Although specific violations were not disclosed, Iranian state media indicated unspecified infractions.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have seized the tanker Talara in the Gulf for allegedly violating cargo regulations while transporting high-sulfur gasoil to Singapore. U.S. officials confirmed the interception, redirecting the vessel into Iranian waters. This marks Iran’s first tanker seizure since recent U.S. and Israeli strikes, escalating tensions in the region.
Nigeria’s National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) is collaborating with U.S. and British authorities to investigate a $235 million cocaine shipment seized at Lagos’ Tincan Port. The 1,000 kg of cocaine was discovered in an empty container, prompting an international effort to identify and apprehend the operation’s masterminds.
The Australian Border Force has ramped up its crackdown on illegal Indonesian fishing, recently intercepting two boats off the Northern Territory. Eight fishermen were arrested, and their vessels destroyed. In total, authorities seized 2.1 tonnes of sea cucumber, potentially worth US$140,000, underscoring the risks of illegal fishing in Australian waters.
Iranian officials recently seized a foreign oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman, confiscating over 2 million liters of suspected smuggled fuel. The vessel’s 17-member crew, including the captain, has been arrested. The ship’s identity is undisclosed, as authorities conduct tests to confirm the fuel’s type and legality.
In a major operation off the Canary Islands, Spanish authorities intercepted the yacht Lona, loaded with cocaine. The crew set the vessel ablaze, injuring one member who needed airlifting. Despite the fire, officers recovered 25 kilos of drugs, highlighting international cooperation against drug trafficking in the region.
Italian prosecutors have seized three ferries from Tirrenia-Compagnia Italiana di Navigazione over allegations of falsifying environmental performance documents. The investigation now includes bribery of government officials, police officers, and others. Officials are under investigation, with some facing house arrest. Tirrenia allegedly provided free travel and gifts to officials, tampered with vessels, and embezzled public funds.
The Gujarat ATS and Coast Guard collaborated to seize 300 kg of drugs worth ₹1,800 crore near the Maritime Boundary Line. Suspected to be methamphetamine, the contraband was dumped into the sea by smugglers who fled upon seeing the Coast Guard ship. The drugs have been handed over to the ATS for further investigation.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards seized two foreign tankers in the Persian Gulf for smuggling over 3 million liters of diesel fuel. The vessels, with 25 crew members, were caught in organized fuel smuggling. The nationality of the tankers and status of the detained crew members were not disclosed.
Germany recently seized a dilapidated tanker suspected to be part of Russia’s clandestine fleet evading oil sanctions. The Panama-flagged vessel, Eventin, carrying 100,000 metric tons of oil worth 40 million euros, was intercepted en route from Russia to Egypt. The German finance ministry refrained from detailed comments due to tensions with Russia over Ukraine.
