France Seizes Record 10 Tons of Cocaine in Dunkirk

French authorities have made a historic seizure of 10 tonnes of cocaine at the port of Dunkirk, marking the largest catch in metropolitan France's history, valued at approximately €320 million. The drugs, hidden in shipping containers from South America, reflect a significant increase in cocaine trafficking into Europe, with France seizing a total of 53.5 tonnes of cocaine in 2024 alone, which is a 130% rise from the previous year. This surge underscores France's role as a critical entry point for cocaine into Europe, where it is the second most commonly used illicit drug after cannabis. Meanwhile, Canadian naval forces assisted the U.S. Coast Guard in seizing 750 kg of cocaine in the Caribbean, part of ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking into North America. The international efforts to curb cocaine smuggling highlight the broader challenges law enforcement agencies face in addressing this growing issue. Both seizures signify an urgent need for enhanced cooperation among nations to tackle the rising tide of drug-related crime.