Police Canine sniff out 6 tons of cocaine hidden in banana shipment

Ecuadorian authorities have uncovered a major cocaine trafficking operation concealed within a banana shipment destined for Germany. During a routine inspection at the Deep Water Maritime Port in Posorja, sniffer dogs alerted police to the presence of narcotics in the export containers. A thorough search revealed 5,630 brick-shaped packages hidden beneath the bananas, amounting to a staggering 6.23 tons of cocaine.
The illicit shipment, valued at $224 million, was intercepted before reaching its intended destination in Germany. Five individuals were apprehended in connection with the case, including a representative of the exporting company who cooperated with officials by providing the identities of four other suspects. Authorities also detained the managers of the banana plantation where the cocaine was likely added to the cargo and the driver who transported the container to the port.

Ecuador has emerged as a major transit hub for cocaine trafficking, with criminal organizations exploiting the country's strategic location and ports to ship narcotics to Europe and the United States. Earlier this year, Ecuadorian security forces discovered a record-breaking 22-ton cocaine stash concealed on a pig farm, underscoring the ongoing battle against organized crime in the Andean nation.

In 2023, Ecuadorian authorities seized over 200 tons of drugs, predominantly cocaine, placing the country among the top three nations globally for drug interdiction efforts, behind only the United States and Colombia.

This incident marks yet another significant seizure of drugs concealed in banana shipments across the globe. In February, British authorities uncovered more than 12,500 pounds of cocaine hidden in a fruit consignment, setting a new record for the largest single seizure of hard drugs in the country.

Similarly, in August 2022, customs agents in the Netherlands seized 17,600 pounds of cocaine found hidden inside crates of bananas in Rotterdam's port[1]. Additionally, in October 2022, a police dog discovered 3 tons of cocaine stashed in a case of bananas at the Italian port of Gioia Tauro.

The Dangers of Human Foods for Dogs: What You Need to Know

Decoding the Dinner Dilemma: What Human Foods are Secretly Dangerous for Your Dog?

Introduction: The Forbidden Feast – Why Your Dog's Diet Needs Boundaries

It’s tempting, isn't it? Those pleading eyes, the subtle head tilt, the unwavering belief that whatever you’re eating must be the most delicious thing in the world. But before you succumb to the canine charm offensive, consider this: sharing your dinner could lead to more than just a tummy ache. We're talking serious consequences, from debilitating stomach upset to seizures and, in the most tragic cases, even death.

Our kitchens are minefields of hidden dangers for our furry friends. Everyday items that we consume without a second thought can wreak havoc on a dog's delicate system. It’s a conundrum, a cruel twist of fate that the very foods we enjoy can pose such a significant threat to their well-being. So, let's unveil the surprising culprits, the common foods that are secretly toxic to dogs, often lurking in plain sight.

A Culinary History Lesson (with a Canine Twist)

Let's embark on a historical journey through the annals of canine culinary catastrophes, examining the usual suspects and their dubious pasts.

• Chocolate's Bitter Truth: The villain of the piece is theobromine, closely aided by caffeine. These stimulants, delightful for humans, are processed far more slowly by dogs. While the precise "first recognition" is murky, veterinary literature reveals a long-standing concern, with caffeine toxicity cropping up in research and case reports as far back as the 1970s.
• Grape & Raisin Mystery: Here lies a true enigma. These seemingly innocent fruits can trigger acute kidney failure in dogs. What's truly unsettling is that the exact toxic compound remains stubbornly unknown. The "historical recognition," therefore, hinges more on observed incidents than definitive scientific breakthroughs. We see the effect, the tragic outcome, but the cause continues to elude us.
• Onion & Garlic's Potent Past: These pungent flavor enhancers contain compounds like thiosulfates, which wage war on a dog's red blood cells, leading to anemia. While a specific "first recognition" date is elusive, their inherent toxicity has been a known risk for ages, likely stemming from their commonplace use in human cooking.
• Avocado's Rollercoaster Reputation: This creamy fruit contains persin, which can induce vomiting and diarrhea. The high fat content is also a concern. Early case studies, such as one in 1994, hinted at avocado toxicity. Yet, subsequent observations of dogs feasting on fallen avocados without fatal outcomes challenged the initial sweeping claims of toxicity. The avocado, it seems, occupies a gray area in the canine dietary world.
• Caffeine's Jolt: A stimulant, caffeine causes hyperactivity, tremors, and heart problems in dogs. Cases of "lethal caffeine poisoning" were documented as early as 1975, with pharmacokinetic studies emerging in the late 70s. It's a harsh reminder that our morning pick-me-up can be a deadly poison for our pets.
• Xylitol: The Sweetener's Sting: This sugar substitute causes a rapid insulin release, plummeting blood sugar levels and potentially leading to liver failure. Xylitol's dark side was first recognized in the late 1960s when it was linked to hypoglycemia in dogs. The connection to liver injury emerged later, around 2006. Since 2004, its widespread use has caused a surge in reported cases.
• Alcohol: Ancient Danger, Modern Problems: Alcohol leads to rapid intoxication, central nervous system depression, and can be fatal for dogs. Given the long co-existence of dogs and humans (along with our penchant for alcoholic beverages), there's likely a long history of anecdotal awareness surrounding the dangers of alcohol.

The Current Canine Cuisine Consensus: Vets Speak Out

Veterinarians are united in their warning: "Sharing is not caring" when it comes to these human foods. Why? Because a dog's metabolism simply isn't equipped to handle these substances. Human food and drinks consistently rank high among the leading causes of pet poisonings, with chocolate, xylitol, grapes/raisins, and the allium family (onions/garlic) consistently topping the charts in poison control center reports.

Stirring the Pot: Food Controversies and Unanswered Questions

But the world of canine nutrition is rarely black and white. Nuance abounds, and controversies simmer beneath the surface.

• Avocado: Friend or Foe? The debate surrounding avocado in commercial pet foods (remember the AvoDerm lawsuit?) and new research suggesting that processed avocado meal, where heat inactivates persin, might be safe, challenges the blanket "avocado is toxic" rule. Is it possible that, in certain forms, avocado can be safely incorporated into a dog's diet?
• The Grape & Raisin Enigma: The persistent mystery surrounding the exact toxic compound in grapes and raisins fuels ongoing controversy. The wild variation in individual dog sensitivity adds another layer of complexity. Why can a small amount devastate one dog while another remains unaffected? This inconsistency makes it difficult to provide definitive guidelines.
• Xylitol's Silent Spread: The widespread and often unlabeled presence of xylitol in a vast array of human products (gum, candy, baked goods, peanut butter, toothpaste, medications, etc.) poses a growing threat of accidental poisoning. This has spurred legislative efforts, such as the "Paws Off Act", for mandatory warning labels. But is this enough to combat the pervasive danger of this sweetener?
• Caffeine's Complex Heart: Diagnosis of caffeine poisoning can be tricky due to non-specific symptoms. The debate continues in research regarding caffeine's precise pro-arrhythmia effects on canine hearts. There's a darker side, too: rare but documented cases of malicious caffeine poisoning serve as a chilling reminder of the potential for deliberate harm.
• Alcohol: When Treatment Gets Tricky: The questionable efficacy of activated charcoal for alcohol poisoning, owing to poor binding, and the high risk of aspiration when inducing vomiting in affected dogs, presents a treatment dilemma. How do we effectively combat alcohol poisoning while minimizing the risk of further complications?

Looking Ahead: Innovations in Pet Protection

The future of pet protection is bright, with advancements on multiple fronts:

• Smarter Labels, Safer Homes: Legislative efforts like the Paws Off Act seek to mandate clearer warning labels on xylitol-containing products.
• Detectives in the Lab: Ongoing research into grape/raisin toxicity aims to identify the specific toxic compound, revolutionizing prevention and treatment.
• Tailored Treatments: Advancements in veterinary medicine, such as the successful use of hemodialysis for severe alcohol intoxication and ongoing studies comparing liver protectants for xylitol poisoning, promise more effective interventions.
• Unlocking Toxic Secrets: Continued research into the precise mechanisms of toxins like persin (in avocado) and compounds in allium plants promises more targeted therapies.
• Enhanced Diagnostics: Hopes are high for rapid, in-clinic diagnostic tests for quick confirmation of toxin ingestion, allowing for faster treatment.
• Education is Key: The continuous effort to raise public awareness among pet owners about these hidden dangers is crucial in decreasing preventable poisonings.

Conclusion: Guarding the Bowl, Safeguarding Lives

Let's return to our initial premise: Never share human food with your dog without confirming its safety. Should you suspect ingestion, contact your vet or a pet poison control center immediately, providing every detail you can. Remember, a little vigilance goes a long way in ensuring a long, happy, and healthy life for our beloved canine companions. Their well-being rests, quite literally, in our hands.

Did you Know The Bulldog

The Bulldog is a breed with characteristically wide head and shoulders along with a pronounced mandibular prognathism. There are generally thick folds of skin on a Bulldog's brow; round, black, wide-set eyes; a short muzzle with characteristic folds called a knot above the nose; hanging skin under the neck; drooping lips and pointed teeth, and occasionally an underbite.

The English Bulldog is a wide, medium-sized, compact dog with short legs. The body and head are massive with extra skin on both the skull and forehead falling in folds. The cheeks extend to the sides of the eyes. The muzzle is wide, short and pug with a broad, deep stop. The black nose is broad with large nostrils. The dark eyes are deep set. The rose ears are small, thin and set high on the head. The jaws are massive, very broad, and square with hanging upper lips. The teeth should have an under bite. The tail is either straight or screwed and carried low. The short, flat coat is straight, smooth and glossy. Coat colors include red brindle and other shades of brindle, solid white, solid red, fawn, fallow, piebald, pale yellow or washed-out red or white or a combination of these colors.

Temperament 

According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), a Bulldog's disposition should be "equable and kind, resolute, and courageous (not vicious or aggressive), and demeanor should be pacific and dignified. These attributes should be countenanced by the expression and behavior". Although the English Bulldog's appearance can be somewhat intimidating, it is among the gentlest of dogs. Just the same it will see off any intruder, and few would risk a close encounter with a dog brave enough to bait a bull. It is described as a very affectionate and dependable animal, gentle with children, but known for its courage and its excellent guarding abilities. Bullheaded and determined, this breed can be very persistent. They do not give up easily. Bulldogs are very much a people's dog, seeking out human attention and loving every bit it can get!! A lot of human attention is required for the breed's happiness.

Breeders have worked to reduce/remove aggression from these dogs. Most have a friendly, patient nature. Bulldogs are recognized as excellent family pets because of their tendency to form strong bonds with children.

Generally, Bulldogs are known for getting along well with children, other dogs, and pets. They can become so attached to home and family, that they will not venture out of the yard without a human companion. They are also more likely to sleep on someone's lap than chase a ball around the yard.

Some English Bulldogs can be a bit dominating and need an owner who knows how to display strong leadership and understands alpha canine behavior. A Bulldog who understands its place in the human pack is nice to, and reliable with all people. This breed is good with family pets, but some can be combative with strange dogs if they do not see themselves as followers in their pack. When Bulldogs are young, they are full of energy, but slow down as they get older. They snore very loudly, most have drool and slobber tendencies and are messy eaters. Bulldogs that display guarding behaviors, such as guarding furniture, food, toys, or other spots in the house, or that are dog aggressive do not have humans who are being the dog's pack leader. This behavior only happens when dogs are allowed to take over. These behaviors can be corrected when the owners start displaying the proper leadership. Dogs that feel they need to run the home are not as happy as dogs that know they are human followers, as it is very stressful for a dog to need to keep "his" humans in line.

Health

Over 80% of Bulldog litters are delivered by Caesarean section because their characteristically large heads can become lodged in the mother's birth canal. The folds, or "rope," on a Bulldog's face should be cleaned daily to avoid infections caused by moisture accumulation. Some Bulldogs' naturally curling tails can be so tight to the body as to require regular cleaning and ointment.

Prone to breathing problems; some have small windpipes as well. Also poor eyesight, cherry eye, very susceptible to heatstroke in warm weather or hot rooms and cars. Very cold sensitive. Prone to mast cell tumors. Birth defects are common in some lines. Susceptible to skin infections, hip and knee problems. Prone to flatulence, especially when fed any other type of food other than their regular dog food.

History

The Bulldog is a much different dog today than his ancestors. Descended from ancient mastiff-type dogs, the Bulldog breed was developed entirely in England. The first mention of the breed was in 1500, a description of a man "with two Bolddogges at his tayle..." The then-fierce dogs were used in a practice called bull baiting, which involved the dog grabbing onto the bull's nose and roughly shaking it.
Bull baiting actually had a purpose; it was thought to tenderize the bull's meat. For many years, this practice was said to "thin" the blood of the bull and make its flesh tender after it was butchered. This belief was so strong that many areas in England had laws requiring bulls to be baited before they were slaughtered.
More than that, it was a popular spectator sport in a time when there were no professional sports, TV shows, movies, or video games. The angry bull would toss the dog up in the air with its horns if it could, much to the delight of the watching crowd. The dog, on the other hand, would attempt to latch onto the bull, usually at its snout, and pin it to the ground through the force of its painful bite. Upcoming bullbaitings were advertised and crowds wagered on the outcome of the struggle.
These early Bulldogs were taller and heavier than today's Bulldog, and they were bred to be especially adept at this bloody sport. Typically, they crept on their bellies toward the enraged bull so he couldn't get his horns under their bodies and toss them up in the air. And their wide mouths and powerful jaws were impossible for the bull to shake off once the Bulldog had a firm hold on its snout. His short, flat nose enabled the Bulldog to breathe while holding onto the bull's snout. He needed to be tenacious to hang onto the bull no matter how much the bull tried to shake him off. The Bulldog's high tolerance for pain was developed to enhance his ability to excel at this barbarous spot. Even the wrinkles on his head are said to have had a purpose: to direct the blood that resulted from his grip on the bull to flow away from his eyes so he wouldn't be blinded.
In 1835, after many years of controversy, bullbaiting was outlawed in England, and many thought the Bulldog would disappear since he no longer had a purpose. At the time, the Bulldog wasn't an affectionate companion. The most aggressive and courageous dogs had been selectively bred for generations to be bull-baiters. They lived to fight with bulls, bears and anything else that was put before them. It was all they knew.

Despite this, many people admired the Bulldog's stamina, strength, and persistence. These few decided to save the appearance and breed them to have a sweet, gentle temperament instead of the aggression needed for the baiting arena.
And so the Bulldog was re-engineered. Dedicated, patient breeders started selecting only those dogs that had a docile temperament for breeding. Aggressive and neurotic dogs weren't allowed to reproduce. By focusing their attention upon the temperament of the Bulldog, these breeders transformed the Bulldog into the gentle, affectionate dog we see today.
Breeders started showing Bulldogs in conformation shows in England in 1859. The first dog show that allowed Bulldogs to be shown was at Birmingham, England in 1860. In 1861, a Bulldog named King Dick won at the Birmingham show. One of his descendants, a dog named Crib, was later described as being "close to perfection."

In 1864, the first Bulldog breed club was formed by a man named R.S. Rockstro. The club had about 30 members and its motto was "Hold Fast." A member of the club, Samuel Wickens, wrote the first breed standard, using the pseudonym Philo-Kuon. The Bulldog's breed standard reportedly was the first one written in the world. The club unfortunately disbanded after only three years.
In 1875, another Bulldog club was founded, and it developed a breed standard that was similar to the Philo-Kuon. This breed club is still in existence.
Bulldogs were brought to the United States, and a brindle and white Bulldog named Donald was shown in New York in 1880. A Bulldog named Bob was registered with the American Kennel Club in 1886. In 1890, H.D. Kendall of Lowell, Massachusetts founded The Bulldog Club of America. It was one of the first breed clubs to become a member of the new American Kennel Club. In the beginning, the club used the British breed standard, but thought it wasn't concise enough, so they developed the American standard in 1894 for what they called the American-bred Bulldog. The English protested about the name and also some of the items in the new standard. After a lot of work, the standard was revised and accepted in 1896. This standard is still used today.

The American Kennel Club recognized the Bulldog in 1890. During the 1940s and 1950s, Bulldogs were close to the top 10 breeds in popularity. Today, the Bulldog ranks 12th among the 155 breeds and varieties registered by the AKC, a tribute to his solid credentials as a companion.

More than anything else, the Bulldog is a triumph of the human ability to rehabilitate an entire breed and make it into a desirable, affectionate companion through thoughtful, dedicated breeding practices. In the 1800s, cities such as Rome passed laws that Bulldogs couldn't be walked on the streets even on leash due to their ferociousness, and yet, a few years later, the Bulldog was already becoming known as one of the friendliest and most tranquil of dogs. All because some dedicated breeders had patience, knowledge, and a vision of what the Bulldog could be at its finest.

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