Belgium's federal government has prolonged internal Schengen entry checks until at least July 31, 2026, to address irregular migration and enhance security. The measures, initiated in July 2025, involve targeted inspections on transport routes and flights from high-pressure migration areas.
David Silva Palacios, known as 'El Chimpa,' a leader within the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), has been linked to process by a control judge in Ciudad Guzmán, Jalisco. He faces charges related to drug trafficking and illegal weapons possession, part of a broader federal crackdown on the cartel.
Argentina's Milei government plans to launch a new National Migration Agency under the Ministry of Security, aiming to bolster border control and combat transnational crime. The initiative follows a reported record number of foreign national expulsions and a tightening of immigration policies.
Argentina's Milei government is creating a new National Migration Agency under the Ministry of Security, replacing the existing Directorate of Migration. This move, inspired by US border policies, aims to enhance border control and has coincided with a reported record number of foreign national expulsions and stricter immigration laws.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for the urgent implementation of the Madlanga Commission's interim report, which recommends criminal investigations and disciplinary action against police and municipal officials for corruption. A special task team will be established to investigate allegations of fraud, corruption, perjury, and murder. The report, submitted in December 2025, follows allegations of a criminal syndicate infiltrating South Africa's justice system.
Maltese police have arrested five Italian nationals and seized approximately 13kg of suspected cocaine and cannabis, along with €386,715 in cash, following a major operation targeting drug trafficking and money laundering networks. The raids, conducted across Msida, Sliema, and Swieqi, also confiscated designer items, vehicles, and a stolen firearm.
Maltese police have arrested five Italian nationals and seized 13kg of drugs, over €386,000 in cash, and luxury items in a significant operation targeting drug trafficking and money laundering. The arrests followed months of surveillance and coordinated raids across Msida, Sliema, and Swieqi.
Rajasthan Police seized nearly 10,000 kg of explosives, including ammonium nitrate and detonators, from a farmhouse in Nagaur district, arresting one individual. The raid, conducted ahead of Republic Day, targeted a network allegedly supplying illegal mining operations. Central agencies have been notified for further investigation.
The UK Home Office has announced plans for a new National Police Service (NPS), dubbed the 'British FBI', to centralize efforts against serious crimes including terrorism, organised crime, fraud, and online child abuse. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood confirmed the move, which aims to streamline national investigations and allow local forces to focus on community policing.
The U.S. military carried out a lethal strike on a vessel accused of drug trafficking in the eastern Pacific Ocean on January 23, 2026, resulting in the deaths of two individuals. This incident marks the latest in an ongoing campaign, 'Operation Southern Spear,' which has seen over 36 such strikes since September 2025, leading to at least 117 fatalities.
Turkish authorities have requested the arrest of 10 suspects in connection with Spain's historic 9.9-ton cocaine seizure. The arrests follow a parallel investigation into the drug trafficking network, which saw 13 crew members, including four Turkish nationals, detained in Spain.
Japan's government is reviewing a draft policy to expand the range of crimes leading to deportation for foreign nationals, moving beyond current drug offenses and lengthy sentences. Concurrently, discussions are ongoing regarding potential restrictions on land acquisition by foreigners, with an expert panel to be established in February 2026 for further deliberation.
Turkish authorities have detained seven individuals across six provinces in connection with Spain's historic maritime seizure of nearly 10 tons of cocaine. The arrests follow an investigation into the Turkish links of the international drug trafficking operation, which saw 13 crew members, including four Turkish nationals, apprehended on a vessel in the Atlantic.
A police delegate, Layla Lima Ayub, and her partner, Jardel Neto Pereira da Cruz, identified as a PCC leader known as 'Dedel,' were arrested in São Paulo. Dedel was previously active in Roraima, tasked with strengthening the PCC's presence and recruiting minors. Ayub is suspected of having ties to the faction and advocating on its behalf.
Authorities in Celaya, Mexico, have discovered a clandestine tap and seized 13,000 liters of 'huachicol,' or stolen fuel, as part of ongoing efforts to combat illicit fuel operations in the region.
Brazil has officially regulated the professional practice of acupuncture with the enactment of Law No. 15,345 by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. The new legislation defines acupuncture, establishes clear criteria for practitioners, including higher education degrees and specialist titles, and addresses the long-standing debate over its professional scope.
The United States has informed Mexico that 'incremental progress' on border security is 'unacceptable,' urging concrete actions to dismantle narcoterrorist networks and significantly reduce fentanyl trafficking. This firm stance follows high-level diplomatic discussions between top officials from both nations.
British Columbia is ending its three-year drug decriminalization pilot program on January 31, 2026, citing unmet expectations and public safety concerns. The program, which allowed possession of small amounts of illicit drugs, faced criticism over public drug use and rising overdose deaths.
Saudi Arabia executed a record 356 people in 2025, marking the highest annual number since monitoring began, according to Human Rights Watch. The surge, largely driven by drug-related offenses, saw a significant number of foreign nationals and raised serious concerns about due process and the execution of individuals for crimes committed as minors.
Four years after becoming the first EU nation to legalize adult-use cannabis, Malta is evaluating its progress. The reform has led to a significant reduction in prosecutions, with only 39 individuals facing charges for public consumption since 2021. However, recent amendments introduce a €235 fine for 'excessive cannabis odour' nuisance, even in private residences, reflecting evolving policy to address community concerns.
