International
Ecuador police intercept major drug shipment destined for Europe
More than three tons of drugs valued at $150 million, destined for Europe, were seized early Saturday at a port in Ecuador, the police reported.
The discovery was made during an operation at the port of Guayaquil, located 265 kilometers southwest of the capital, Quito. With the help of trained dogs, the cargo was detected hidden in a container of export products that was supposed to arrive in Belgium.
This is not the largest drug shipment seized this year. Nestled between Colombia and Peru—two of the world’s largest drug producers—Ecuador has become a logistical hub for transnational drug trafficking organizations, where large shipments are stored, warehoused, and transported from its Pacific ports.
The seized drugs amounted to 37.5 million doses of cocaine hydrochloride, with a value of $150 million on the European market, according to the police report.
The illicit substance was contained in 3,864 rectangular blocks hidden among boxes of an unspecified export product, the police stated.
Between January 1 and December 1, Ecuador has seized 273.6 tons of drugs, compared to 206 tons seized during the same period last year, marking a 32% increase, according to official figures.
One of the most significant drug seizures in Ecuador occurred in January when 22 tons of cocaine were discovered on a banana plantation in the Los Ríos province, which were intended to be transported by small planes to Europe, Asia, the United States, and Central America, the Army reported.
International
Trinidad and Tobago Education Minister Lisa Morris-Julian dies in house fire with her children
The Minister of Education of Trinidad and Tobago, Lisa Morris-Julian, tragically passed away in a fire at her home early Monday morning, along with her two children, local authorities reported.
Police stated that Morris-Julian died alongside her 25-year-old son and 6-year-old daughter after they were trapped as the fire engulfed their home in the Arima district, the main city in eastern Trinidad. Her husband and two other family members who were present at the time of the fire were injured and are currently under observation in the hospital.
“The Government of Trinidad and Tobago expresses its deepest condolences to her family, loved ones, and constituents at this time, and we keep them in our collective thoughts and prayers,” the government said in a statement.
Prime Minister Keith Rowley and other government officials visited the scene of the fire as firefighters worked to extinguish the flames.
The cause of the fire has not yet been determined, police said.
Morris-Julian, who was also a Member of Parliament, had planned to seek re-election next year.
International
Nearly 40 dead in Istanbul after consuming contaminated alcohol in six weeks
Almost 40 people have died in Istanbul in the past six weeks after consuming adulterated alcohol, local authorities announced on Monday.
In total, “37 people lost their lives, 77 people were poisoned, with 17 still undergoing treatment due to the consumption of contaminated alcohol since November 1, 2024,” stated the Istanbul governor’s office on social media platform X.
At least 14 people have been arrested for distributing the illicit alcohol, authorities added. Alcohol poisoning is common in Turkey due to the surge in illegal production driven by rising taxes on alcoholic beverages.
In late 2021, at least 25 people died in several provinces within a few days. The previous year, around 40 people lost their lives from the same cause.
Rakı, the national alcoholic drink, costs around 1,300 Turkish liras ($37) per liter in supermarkets, in a country where the minimum wage is 17,000 liras ($489).
International
At least 12 injured in shooting at abundant life christian school in Wisconsin
Over 10 people have been injured following a shooting at a Christian school in Wisconsin, United States, according to international media reports on Monday afternoon.
The shooting took place at Abundant Life Christian School. So far, local authorities have confirmed 12 individuals affected, according to major news outlets.
The scene is still being processed by the State Police. It has also been reported that the shooter has been neutralized, though no details about their identity have been released. Authorities mention that the school caters to students from Kindergarten through Middle School.
Trinidad and Tobago Education Minister Lisa Morris-Julian dies in house fire with her children
Nearly 40 dead in Istanbul after consuming contaminated alcohol in six weeks
At least 12 injured in shooting at abundant life christian school in Wisconsin
Tec de Monterrey honors one of its students for his contribution to nanotechnology in medicine
Defense Minister commends salvadoran soldier for Central American Cross Country victory
Ecuador prison riot leaves at least 43 dead
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