Law enforcement agencies worldwide have made significant strides in combating the illegal drug trade under the current administration. Recent data reveals that approximately 27 billion doses of illegal substances were intercepted before reaching global markets, with an annual average seizure exceeding 1,800 tons. Between 2022 and 2025, authorities dismantled 17,838 drug production laboratories, 96% of which were dedicated to manufacturing coca paste or cocaine base. Notably, the number of cocaine hydrochloride labs destroyed surged from 74 in 2022 to 203 in 2025, reflecting a more focused approach on advanced processing stages. Defense Minister Pedro Sanchez highlighted that 780 individuals have been extradited over the past three years for drug-related crimes. Additionally, the government is collaborating with chemical engineers to develop a novel molecule that disrupts cocaine production when added to fuel, without compromising vehicle performance. Official reports indicate that over 820 tons of cocaine have been seized this year alone, marking a 7% increase compared to the same period in 2023. Furthermore, the destruction of one laboratory every 40 minutes represents a 24% improvement over 2024 results.
分类： society
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Latam pilots’ strike begins in Chile for improved working conditions
A strike initiated by the Pilots’ Union at midnight has caused significant disruptions for Latam Airlines, following the collapse of negotiations between the company and the union. The talks, mediated by the Labor Directorate, failed to reach an agreement, prompting the union to take industrial action. Mario Troncoso, president of the Pilots’ Union, expressed frustration, stating that the strike was avoidable given the company’s substantial profits and the union’s moderate demands. Troncoso highlighted that Latam had accumulated profits of $1.5 billion over the past 18 months, while the workers’ demands represented less than 1% of that figure. In response to the strike, Latam Airlines has rescheduled several flights for today and tomorrow and advised passengers to verify their flight status before traveling to the airport. The union, representing 464 pilots, emphasized that the strike was a last resort after repeated attempts to negotiate fair terms with the company.
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Frente Amplio calls for full investigation into nationwide blackout
Santo Domingo – The Frente Amplio has issued a stern call for an immediate and transparent investigation into the widespread blackout that plunged the Dominican Republic into darkness on Monday afternoon. The outage, triggered by a failure at the Electricity Transmission Company (ETED) substation in San Pedro de Macorís, cascaded into a complete shutdown of all generating plants, including Punta Catalina. This incident has once again highlighted the fragility of the nation’s power grid. Party leader María Teresa Cabrera denounced the collapse as ‘unacceptable,’ emphasizing that a single substation failure should not have the capacity to cripple the entire system. She urged authorities to act with ‘absolute transparency’ and ensure accountability for those responsible. The Frente Amplio underscored the severe economic repercussions of such blackouts, which disrupt hospitals, industries, and the daily lives of millions. The organization demanded that the Government, ETED, the Superintendency of Electricity, and the Ministry of Energy and Mines provide a clear public report and develop an emergency plan to fortify the transmission network. They argued that the incident should not be dismissed as a mere technical failure but rather seen as a symptom of deeper structural issues, including poor oversight, inadequate planning, and insufficient public investment in the national energy system.
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Mayor Carolina Mejía inaugurates Taíno Park dedicated to Santo Domingo 2026 Games
Santo Domingo witnessed a significant milestone on Tuesday as Carolina Mejía, Mayor of the National District, officially opened the newly transformed Taíno Park in Los Cacicazgos. This revitalized public space, designed to honor the XXV Central American and Caribbean Games set for 2026, has been reimagined from a basic green area into a multifunctional community hub. The park now boasts an outdoor gym, a children’s playground, a dedicated dog park, walking paths, an amphitheater for cultural events, energy-efficient LED lighting, and a commemorative sculpture celebrating José Martí, Máximo Gómez, and Chief Hatuey—iconic figures symbolizing freedom and unity across the Antilles.
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Suriname neemt afscheid van Venetiaan: Als RRV gekomen als RRV vertrokken
In a deeply emotional ceremony held at the crowded Cathedral Basilica, family, friends, politicians, foreign dignitaries, members of the National Party of Suriname (NPS), and numerous citizens gathered on Tuesday to bid farewell to former President Runaldo Ronald Venetiaan (RRV). The service was not just a tribute to the statesman but also a heartfelt goodbye to the man, father, and friend he was. The funeral was marked by his own words: ‘As RRV I came, and as RRV I leave,’ a sentiment echoed throughout the basilisk, accompanied by the Surinamese wish, ‘Waka bun, El Vene.’ Although Venetiaan had explicitly requested no state funeral, he was honored with a dignified tribute that reflected his life’s ethos: simplicity, dignity, and sincerity.
Roy Chyamnarain, a close friend and fellow party member, highlighted Venetiaan’s exceptional leadership. ‘What inspired a man passionate about nature, mathematics, guitar playing, and poetry to lead a nation plagued by economic collapse, corruption, crime, and poverty?’ he pondered. ‘It required vision, courage, and above all, unconditional love for his country and people. Despite the odds, he acted on faith, trust, and unwavering principles. With the support of many, he transformed Suriname into a better nation. Today, we honor the man who brought us these blessings.’
Family members painted a warm picture of the man behind the statesman. Children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews shared personal memories of a caring father figure who was a source of inspiration not only for his immediate family but for the entire extended family. ‘Papa, opa was always there,’ was a recurring theme. Niece and writer Ruth San A Jong recounted her special bond with her uncle, sharing an anecdote about a fire at his house caused by her mother. ‘He never made us feel guilty. When the new house was built, he insisted I place a ‘loto’ (a five-cent coin) in the cement,’ she recalled with emotion.
Son Alvin reminisced about the challenging 1980s when his father was under house arrest. ‘Despite everything, he insisted that the soldiers guarding him were also fed. That’s who he was,’ he said. Father Esteban Kross emphasized that Venetiaan would be remembered not for his titles but for his humanity. ‘God will judge him not by his achievements or honors but by his sincere life. To Him, all people are equal. Ronald Venetiaan was a great man, not just as a president but as a deeply faithful individual, convinced that there is only one right path: that of values and norms.’
In a gesture of solidarity, the Surinamese government declared Wednesday, November 12, a national day of mourning in honor of Venetiaan, expressing condolences to his family and the Surinamese people.
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Haiti’s capital suffers major blackouts as power grid collapses
Port-au-Prince, Haiti, is grappling with a severe electricity crisis as widespread sabotage and the prolonged closure of the country’s primary hydroelectric plant have severely disrupted the power supply. The state electricity company, Électricité d’Haïti (EDH), announced on Tuesday that the crisis has been exacerbated by the unscheduled shutdown of the Péligre hydroelectric plant, which has been non-operational since June 17 when five transmission towers were sabotaged. Additionally, the private energy provider E-Power has reduced its output to less than 10 megawatts, only one-third of its usual capacity, due to technical difficulties. The combined impact of these issues has left much of the capital with limited or no electricity. EDH has acknowledged the grid’s instability, attributing it to the Péligre plant’s closure and insufficient generator capacity, which has necessitated drastic power rationing measures. The company has vowed to work ‘tirelessly’ to restore services and has called on citizens to remain patient as repair and logistical efforts continue.
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Operations resumed after smoke forced evacuation at Las Américas Airport
Las Américas International Airport (AILA) in Santo Domingo experienced a brief disruption on Tuesday afternoon, November 11, when smoke was detected in the arrivals corridor of Terminal B. The incident prompted an immediate evacuation of passengers and staff as a precautionary measure. Emergency teams swiftly responded to the situation, identifying the source of the smoke as a malfunctioning lamp within an air conditioning unit. The smoke had circulated through the airport’s ventilation system, causing concern among travelers and personnel. Authorities confirmed that no fire had occurred, and there were no injuries or material damages reported. Once the issue was resolved, normal operations resumed without delays or disruptions to domestic or international flights. Aeropuertos Dominicanos Siglo XXI (Aerodom), the airport’s operator, reiterated its commitment to passenger safety and commended the rapid response of its emergency teams. The incident highlighted the importance of robust safety protocols in maintaining smooth airport operations.
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MISSING: Dawn Simon
The tight-knit community of Bolans is rallying together in a desperate search for Dawn Anjella Simon, a 56-year-old resident who has been missing since Sunday, November 9th, 2025. Simon was last spotted in Bolans, and her sudden disappearance has left her family and neighbors deeply concerned. Standing at approximately 5 feet 4 inches, Simon’s absence has prompted widespread appeals for assistance. Authorities are urging anyone with information regarding her whereabouts to immediately contact the nearest police station or call the dedicated hotline at 268 – 725 5595. The community is encouraged to share this information widely in hopes of ensuring Simon’s safe return. Every effort is being made to bring her back to her loved ones, and public cooperation is deemed crucial in this urgent search.
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First-Ever Eco Day on Nevis Showcases Island’s Commitment to Sustainability
The island of Nevis marked a significant milestone with its first-ever Eco Day, held at the Malcolm Guishard Recreational Park on November 11, 2025. Organized by the Ministry of Tourism, the event brought together students, organizations, and the public to celebrate sustainability and promote environmentally conscious practices. Inspired by the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s (CTO) participation in CNN’s Call to Earth Day, the initiative aimed to empower young environmentalists to protect green spaces and adopt sustainable lifestyles. Vanessa Webb, Product Development Manager at the Ministry of Tourism, emphasized the importance of learning from past generations to live sustainably and safeguard the island’s future. The event featured exhibits on sustainable farming, renewable energy, marine conservation, and creative green innovations, alongside demonstrations of the island’s recycling pilot expansion project. Honourable Spencer Brand, Minister of Environment, highlighted the practical aspects of sustainability, urging the community to reduce waste, recycle, and support initiatives that turn waste into wealth. The Ministry of Tourism expressed gratitude to partners like the Blue Planet Alliance and the CTO for their support in making Eco Day a resounding success.
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Woensdag uitgeroepen tot dag van nationale rouw
The Surinamese government has officially declared Wednesday, November 12, as a National Day of Mourning in honor of former President Ronald Venetiaan, who passed away on November 5. Venetiaan was cremated on Tuesday, November 11, following a solemn funeral service held at the Cathedral Basilica. The Ministry of Home Affairs announced the day of mourning as a gesture of solidarity and compassion for the late president’s family and the people of Suriname. On this day, the Surinamese flag will be flown at half-mast on all public buildings and docked ships from 6:00 AM until sunset. Citizens and businesses are also encouraged to observe this symbolic act. Additionally, media outlets, including radio and television stations, have been urged to adjust their programming to reflect the solemnity of the occasion. This declaration underscores the nation’s collective grief and respect for Venetiaan’s legacy.