CBS News
Bolivia claims its second largest drug seizure in history as 7.2 tons of cocaine found hidden in scrap metal shipment
Bolivian police have seized more than 7.2 tons of cocaine that was found hidden in scrap metal headed for a port in neighboring Chile for export to Europe, the nation’s Interior Minister announced Monday. Interior Minister Eduardo del Castillo said at the Monday press conference that it was the second-largest drug bust in the country’s history, and would deprive drug traffickers of more than $451 million.
The drugs were discovered at a customs checkpoint in the Pisiga region, on Bolivia’s border with Chile, hidden in trucks that were carrying container loads of scrap metal for export to Belgium, which has become a main gateway for Latin American cocaine cartels into Europe.
Facebook/Interior Ministry of Bolivia
“Upon reviewing the merchandise, which was inside the vehicles, it was determined that the load of two containers was contaminated with controlled substances,” del Castillo said Monday. “Police officers realized that the merchandise had unusual characteristics and proceeded to drill it to discover cocaine.”
“If we take into account the price of these controlled substances in the country of destination, we’re talking about an impact on drug trafficking of more than $451 million,” he said at the outdoor news conference, as heavily armed forces guarded both the seized drugs and three men who were arrested in connection with the bust.
Del Castillo said the individual believed to be behind the thwarted drug sale had fled Bolivia to the U.S., which he blamed on a leak from the federal prosecutor’s office to media outlets.
Facebook/Interior Ministry of Bolivia
Bolivia’s biggest-ever drug bust came only weeks ago, when police seized close to 9 tons of cocaine in January in an operation that also took place on the border with Chile.
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime says Bolivia is the third-largest grower of coca, the plant from which cocaine is produced, in the world. In a March report, UNODOC said there had been a rise in shipments of cocaine from southern parts of South America, including Chile, to Europe.
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CBS News
$100 million in federal funds released for North Carolina to rebuild roads, bridges damaged by Helene
Washington, D.C. – The U.S. Department of Transportation released $100 million in emergency funds on Saturday for North Carolina to rebuild its roads and bridges damaged by Helene.
“We are providing this initial round of funding so there’s no delay getting roads repaired and reopened, and re-establishing critical routes,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg in a statement. “The Biden-Harris administration will be with North Carolina every step of the way, and today’s emergency funding to help get transportation networks back up and running safely will be followed by additional federal resources.”
The storm caused rampant flooding that has devastated several towns and killed more than 225 people – with CBS News confirming at least 114 people killed in North Carolina. There was more than 8 inches of rain across the western North Carolina mountains, with some areas seeing more than a foot.
Hundreds of roads across Western North Carolina remain closed, leading to an increase in air traffic as teams scour the region for survivors by air. Air traffic over Western North Carolina has increased by 300% due to relief efforts since the storm cleared, the Federal Aviation Administration and the North Carolina Department of Transportation.
Mudslides blocked Interstate 40 and other highways in North Carolina and about 400 roads were closed due to damage from Helene. Interstate 40 was damaged at several locations, the Department of Transportation said.
President Biden visited the Carolinas on Wednesday, surveying the flood damage by air from Greenville, South Carolina, to Asheville, North Carolina. Mr. Biden announced the federal government would cover “100%” of all debris removal and emergency protective measure costs in North Carolina for six months.
The Department of Transportation said these relief funds will allow the North Carolina Department of Transportation to act more quickly to fund eligible repairs to their damaged facilities.
Li Cohen and
contributed to this report.
CBS News
Tropical Storm Milton forms in Gulf; forecast to strengthen into hurricane headed toward Florida
Tropical Storm Milton has formed in the Gulf of Mexico and is forecast to strengthen into a hurricane headed toward Florida with possible impacts to its western coast, the National Hurricane Center said on Saturday. Maximum sustained winds are expected to be at 40 mph with higher gusts and Milton is currently moving north-northeast, NHC said in an advisory.
Milton is forecast to undergo a period of rapid intensification before it makes landfall as a Category 2 hurricane across Florida’s west coast, CBS News Miami reported.
The forecast comes a little more than a week after Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida and across the Southeast, killing more than 200 people and causing immense destruction. President Biden on Thursday took an aerial tour of Florida’s Big Bend where Helene struck as a Category 4 storm. Hundreds of people are still missing and Mr. Biden said the work to rebuild will cost “billions of dollars” as communities suffer still without power, running water and passable roads.
NOAA
Milton is forecast to move across the southwestern Gulf of Mexico through Sunday night then across the south-central Gulf on Monday and Tuesday before reaching Florida’s west coast by the middle of the week, NHC said. Heavy rain is possible in the region starting Sunday into Monday, CBS Miami reported, and more rain and heavy winds will most likely arrive on Wednesday. Hurricane and storm surge watches will most likely be required for portions of Florida starting Sunday, the National Hurricane Center said.
Along with the heavy rainfall, the hurricane center said to expect risks of flooding.
Residents in the area should ensure they have a hurricane plan in place, the National Hurricane Center said, follow the advice of local officials and check back for forecast updates.
