Story perspectives

Major Drug Busts: £8M Cocaine Seized Across North America

12/13/2025

Center

Police Crackdown on Cocaine

In North Lanarkshire, police seized over £8 million of cocaine and arrested three men.
In New York, traffic stop yielded four pounds of cocaine and a loaded handgun; 32-year-old Quonta Albert was arrested.
Durham Regional Police Service's Project Hydrogen led to 34 arrests and more than $2.7 million in drugs, including 18 kilograms of cocaine.
These operations show ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking in the United States and Canada.

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Police Arrest Drug Traffickers

Belmont County Sheriff's Office and Martins Ferry Police Department executed a search warrant in Martins Ferry, uncovering a firearm, 27 grams of cocaine, and suspected fentanyl.
Joseph Pernell Monroe, 26, was arrested on multiple charges, including cocaine trafficking and fentanyl possession.
Cody Wayne Briggs, 31, was arrested for fentanyl possession.
Tyler J. Medina, 28, was present but not booked.
Prosecutors will review fentanyl possession charges against Tyler J. Medina.

History

Historical Context

The War on Drugs began in 1980 as a U.S. initiative to combat drug trafficking and abuse. By 1986, the government allocated over $1.7 billion to bolster law enforcement efforts against narcotics. Ongoing police operations in North Lanarkshire and New York highlight persistent challenges with cocaine and fentanyl trafficking, underscoring the long-term focus on drug-related crime prevention across North America.

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Police Crackdown on Cocaine

In North Lanarkshire, police seized over £8 million of cocaine and arrested three men.
In New York, traffic stop yielded four pounds of cocaine and a loaded handgun; 32-year-old Quonta Albert was arrested.
Durham Regional Police Service's Project Hydrogen led to 34 arrests and more than $2.7 million in drugs, including 18 kilograms of cocaine.
These operations show ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking in the United States and Canada.

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