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Drugs
The latest news, analysis and opinion on Drugs. In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.
Customs officers found 36.2kg of suspected narcotics while inspecting two seaborne consolidated containers in December. Photo: Handout
Crime in Hong Kong

Hong Kong customs seizes HK$18 million of suspected ketamine in baby car seats

Syndicate employed ‘ingenious’ methods to hide drugs in car seats shipped in two containers from Netherlands and Spain, officers say.

US-Venezuela conflict

Trump invites Colombia’s president to White House after threat of military strike

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Malaysia

Malaysian rapper Namewee defies scandals to release Lunar New Year single

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Made in China 2025

Meow or never: China’s pudgy pets spark race for weight-loss drugs

Fosun and Huadong biotech labs eye feline obesity drugs as owners weigh cuteness against health risks.

The total pet population in China reached 430 million in 2024, with nearly one-third of urban cats classified as obese, according to the China Pet Industry Association. Photo: Shutterstock
United States

As I see it | Monroe Doctrine 2.0 portends the end of the US empire

The eerie return of the 19th century foreign policy doctrine indicates a declining empire seeking to consolidate power in its own backyard.

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United States

Opinion | The US now owns more than just Venezuela’s oil

A hard lesson in foreign policy comes to mind: if you break it, you own it. America is now responsible for Venezuela’s failures, factions and future grievances.

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Thailand

Thailand tightens cannabis sales as dispensaries face closure ahead of election

Thailand, the first country in Asia to decriminalise cannabis in 2022, tightens rules to appeal to conservative voters ahead of pivotal election.

A staff member prepares a cannabis flower for a customer in Bangkok in June 2025, after Thailand banned sales without a prescription. Photo: AP
United States

Editorial | US strike on Venezuela signals worrying return to gunboat diplomacy

One big concern for China is that America’s actions can create even more uncertainties than Trump’s tariff and trade policies.

US-Venezuela conflict

US ousting of Maduro prompts region to reassess China – and Trump’s next move

Trump hints at wider action as Latin American governments weigh sovereignty, China ties and US dominance.

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US-Venezuela conflict

‘Shocked’ China demands immediate release of Nicolas Maduro

At an ‘emergency’ meeting of the UN Security Council, Chinese envoy Sun Lei says Beijing ‘strongly condemns’ Maduro’s capture by US.

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Sun Lei, deputy permanent representative of China to the UN, addresses the UN Security Council on Monday in New York. Photo: AP
US-Venezuela conflict

Maduro says he is ‘innocent’ in court, declaring himself Venezuela’s president

Abducted strongman was indicted on narcoterrorism and weapons charges after being taken into US custody in Caracas.

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Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, are seen in handcuffs after landing at a Manhattan helipad, escorted by heavily armed US agents as they make their way into an armoured car en route to a federal courthouse in Manhattan on Monday. Photo: XNY/Star Max/GC Images
US-Venezuela conflict

After Venezuela takeover, Chinese investors brace for era of regional anxiety

Washington’s moves to assert dominance in the western hemisphere could see tighter restrictions to curb Beijing’s growing footprint.

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Americas and the Caribbean

Power vacuum in Caracas? Venezuelans wonder who’s in charge after US operation

Nicolas Maduro’s deputy granted temporary presidential powers, but it is unclear who is running Venezuela.

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Americas and the Caribbean

Explainer | Was the US capture of Venezuela’s President Maduro legal?

Nicolas Maduro to face charges in New York - but experts question the legality of the US operation and plans to ‘run’ Venezuela.

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Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro in custody at the offices of the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in New York City. Photo: @RapidResponse47 via Reuters
Americas and the Caribbean

Inside the US operation in Venezuela to capture President Maduro

Elite US troops seized the Venezuelan leader and his wife in a predawn assault involving 150 aircraft, in a mission that was months in the making.

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Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on board the USS Iwo Jima after his capture. Photo: @realDonaldTrump via Reuters
United States

Explainer | US interventions in Latin America: a history of coups and conflicts

From the Bay of Pigs to Operation Condor to Venezuela in 2026: A look at the legacy of CIA-backed coups and US military action in Latin America.

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China-Latin America relations

China decries ‘brazen use of force’ as US attacks Venezuela

Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro and his wife will face charges in New York; US President Donald Trump says ‘much larger attack’ still possible.

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Americas and the Caribbean

Maduro open to talks with US on drugs and oil, but silent on CIA strike

Venezuela’s leader sidesteps questions about a reported US land attack while offering to talk ‘seriously’ about cooperation.

US Air Force F-35A and F-35B fighter jets in Puerto Rico. Photo: Reuters
Middle East

Saudi Arabia sets executions record in 2025, putting 356 people to death

The surge comes amid Riyadh’s ongoing ‘war on drugs’ and marked the first time more foreigners were executed than Saudis in a calendar year.

Americas and the Caribbean

US Coast Guard searches for survivors after strike on alleged drug boats

US strike in international waters kills three people while others jumped overboard and may have survived.

Americas and the Caribbean

CIA behind drone strike on ‘big facility’ in Venezuela: sources

Sources divulge details of a US strike mentioned by Trump, as Colombia’s president says US bombed a suspected cocaine factory.

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Personnel work on a US Air Force MQ-9 Reaper drone at Rafael Hernandez Airport in Puerto Rico. Photo: Reuters
Venezuela

Trump says US ‘hit’ drug boat loading facility in Venezuela pressure campaign

If confirmed, it would mark the first known land strike on Venezuelan soil since the US began its lethal anti-cartel campaign in September.

A US Air Force MQ-9 Reaper drone before take-off in Puerto Rico on December 26, 2025. Photo: Reuters
Venezuela

Venezuela ‘frees 99 prisoners’ detained after 2024 election protests

Rights groups said the number released ‘does not correspond to reality’ despite growing pressure from Washington on President Maduro.

The Philippines

Philippine court upholds murder verdict in Duterte’s drug war case

While the ruling has been hailed as a win for human rights, it may not have much impact on Duterte’s ICC case, legal analysts say.

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China-Latin America relations

China, Russia clash with US at UN over Venezuela oil seizures and naval pressure

Venezuela turns to UN as Trump’s oil crackdown intensifies and Caracas advances a law targeting those in support of naval blockades.

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Sun Lei, China’s deputy permanent representative to the UN, speaks during a Security Council briefing on threats to international peace and security in New York on Tuesday. Venezuela requested a Security Council meeting, citing escalating tensions resulting from “US aggression” against the country. Photo: EPA
China-Latin America relations

China says US broke international law by seizing oil tankers off Venezuela

Situation intensifies as Beijing condemns tanker seizures and US security chief calls to remove Nicolas Maduro from power.

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A US military helicopter flies over the Panama-flagged Centuries, which was intercepted by the US Coast Guard on Saturday. Photo: DHS via Reuters
Malaysia

Malaysian rapper Namewee acquitted of drug use charge after negative test

The 42-year-old still faces a drug possession charge and remains under investigation following the death of a Taiwanese influencer.

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US-China relations

China showcases joint effort with US in drugs-related money laundering case

Case spanning both nations saw two men sentenced to jail following US tip-off, People’s Daily reports.

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