Maduro due in court as loyalists send message to Trump
Deep uncertainty surrounds the future of oil-rich Venezuela as its president Nicolas Maduro faces a US trial after being captured in a military operation.
drug trafficking
Maduro open to US talks to combat drug trafficking
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has used a state TV interview to say he wants to "start talking seriously" with the US on issues such as drug trafficking.
Interim government defiant as US holds Venezuela leader
Deep uncertainty surrounds the future of oil-rich Venezuela as its president Nicolas Maduro faces a US trial after being captured in a military operation.
US strikes more alleged drug boats, killing eight
Eight people have been killed in the latest strikes on alleged drug trafficking boats, the US military says.
US ‘hit’ drug boat loading facility in Venezuela: Trump
US President Donald Trump has confirmed a military attack on a facility allegedly used for drug-smuggling operations in Venezuela.
US says two killed in strike on suspected drug vessel
The US Southern Command says it has struck another boat allegedly linked to drug trafficking in the eastern Pacific.
Mokbel ‘sorry saga’ drags on as retrial left in limbo
Underworld identity Tony Mokbel is still facing the possibility of another trial over alleged drug importation offending dating back to 2005.
No bail for bikie accused over shooting and record bust
A man arrested over a record-setting cocaine bust had allegedly used group chats to organise a drive-by shooting where toddlers were present, a judge has heard.
No bail for man after revenge hit on meth cook’s wife
A man accused of luring an innocent women to be tied up, kidnapped and murdered over her husband's alleged meth theft has lost a court bid for bail.
Underworld kingpin Mokbel avoids a return to prison
Drug kingpin Tony Mokbel has been sentenced to time already served after losing a bid to have one of his trafficking convictions quashed.
Trump trims China tariffs after ‘amazing’ Xi meeting
US President Donald Trump is raving about his talks with Xi Jinping, saying he'll cut tariffs on China while Beijing makes promises on rare earths and fentanyl.
Ex-cricketer’s assailants avoid jail after coke theft
Three men who beat up former spin bowler Stuart MacGill after two bricks of cocaine were stolen have been given community sentences for their violent acts.
‘Black flight’ smugglers jailed over $17m drug plot
Two men have been sentenced to lengthy prison terms over a plot to import methamphetamine into Australia hidden on a secret "black flight".
Tradie suffocated, shoved in box over $50k ‘drug debt’
A man who duct-taped and assaulted a tradie and hired a "cleaner" to dispose of the body in a creek has been jailed as his co-accused remains on the run.
Innocent mum’s murder likely linked to big drug bust
Police are probing possible ties between the murder of a mother in front of her sons, a plot to kill a father on his way to daycare and a global drug syndicate.
Ex-Test cricketer’s drug rip-off assailant apologises
A former Test cricketer has received an apology from one of the men who beat him up in a dilapidated shed after two bricks of cocaine were stolen.
Colombian president a ‘drug leader’, says Trump
President Donald Trump accused Colombian President Gustavo Petro of being an "illegal drug leader", saying the US will halt payments to the country.
Mokbel drug convictions ‘infected’ but retrial on cards
An underworld figure faces a retrial on a 2005 drug importation charge after three judges delivered a mixed ruling on his appeal against three convictions.
Gangland kingpin tipped to avoid more time behind bars
A gangland figure could be sent back to prison after three judges rejected one of his appeals and ordered a retrial on another charge.
Illicit drug testing rising despite patchy availability
New insight into the demand for drug checking shows growing safety awareness among users, despite varied approaches to pill testing around Australia.
Octogenerian in court accused of dealing ‘whale drugs’
An elderly man accused of trafficking animal euthanasia drugs for use in people's deaths has yet to see any evidence against him, his solicitor says.
Former commando denied bail over drugs and gun charges
A former elite soldier accused of possessing 45 grams of meth was caught up in a police raid while trying to buy drugs for his own use, a judge has heard.
Venezuelan jets fly near US warship as cartel boat shot
Military tensions have risen in the Caribbean with Venezuelan jets flying near a US Navy destroyer after the Americans attacked a suspected cartel drug boat.
‘Super lab’: man denied bail after huge meth haul
A man has been accused of trying to flee overseas when police allegedly uncovered a drug "super lab" they claim could have produced $500 million worth of meth.
Prosecutor-turned-judge in firing line at Mokbel appeal
Lawyers for a drug kingpin have taken aim at a judge claiming he should have disclosed a police informer's status sooner when director of public prosecutions.
War on drugs a ‘costly failure’ amid record consumption
An analysis of Australia's sewers shows record consumption of meth, cocaine and heroin, triggering a call to abandon the "failing" war on drugs.
Former nightclub owner spared jail over cocaine supply
A nightclub owner who was caught on police surveillance obtaining cocaine from a crime syndicate has been cleared of a more serious charge of drug trafficking.
Duo jailed after brewing up coffee grinder meth plot
Two men have been jailed over the importation of almost 300 blocks of meth concealed in two coffee grinders from Central America.
Man jailed for ‘terrifying’ trade in military rifles
A man kept in his home a large amount of cannabis, almost 1.6 kilograms of cocaine and four semi-automatic rifles on behalf of a drug ring, a judge has heard.
Nurse who hid $1.7m drug money under bed spared jail
An assistant nurse has blamed a destructive relationship for why she agreed to hide $1.7 million in a duffle bag under her bed for a major cocaine ring.
Date locked in for drug kingpin’s appeal hearing
Underworld figure Tony Mokbel will have to wait another four months to have an appeal against his drug trafficking and importation convictions heard.