Czech authorities join international crackdown on illegal drugs

Czech authorities have taken part in a major international police operation targeting illegal drugs, including substances used in e-cigarettes. The Interpol-coordinated operation involved 17 countries and resulted in the seizure of 650 tonnes of drugs, precursors and pharmaceuticals worth more than USD 1.1 billion. Czech authorities participated alongside police from countries including Australia, China, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia and the United States. Interpol said the operation highlighted a rapidly expanding market for drugs consumed through vaping. Ketamine also surpassed methamphetamine by volume for the first time in an operation of this kind, with police seizing 17 tonnes.