Category: Stranger Than Fiction: Weird News

Australian Federal Police Make Record-Breaking Meth Bust

Friday, 22 December 2017

 This is a joint media release issued by the Australian Federal Police, Australian Border Force, Western Australia Police Force, AUSTRAC and the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission

A record 1.2 tonnes of methamphetamine has been seized on the west coast of Australia and eight men have been charged as a result of a complex, multi-agency investigation which traversed the country.

It is the largest meth bust in Australia’s history, topping an unrelated 903-kilogram seizure in Melbourne in the first quarter of 2017. It is the largest ever drug seizure in Western Australia.

The Western Australian Joint Organised Crime Task Force (WA JOCTF) has been working in close partnership since July to dismantle a drug trafficking network, believed to be based in Australia. The WA JOCTF involves the Australian Federal Police (AFP), Western Australia Police Force, Australian Border Force (ABF), AUSTRAC, and the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission. It also received assistance from members of the Department of Home Affairs.

Police will allege in court a marine vessel, the Valkoista, arrived at the Port of Geraldton, WA, around 2am WST yesterday (Thursday, 21 December 2017).

Police will allege the drugs were then offloaded into a white hire van shortly before 4am WST. Tactical response police officers intercepted the van as it reversed from the dock. Police arrested the three occupants of the van: a 33-year-old man from southern Sydney and two men from NSW, aged 38 and 52.

Simultaneously, police boarded the Valkoista and arrested three crew members onboard: a 45-year-old man from the NSW Central Coast and two men from South Australia, aged 48 and 44.

Fifty-nine bags containing approximately 20 kilograms of methamphetamine were seized from the vehicle. An additional bag containing approximately 20 kilograms of methamphetamine was found on the vessel, bringing the total amount of methamphetamine seized to around 1.2 tonnes. This amount of methamphetamine has an estimated street value of $1.04 billion.

The six men were transported to Geraldton Police Station for processing.

The vessel and the vehicle were seized by police, searched, and forensically examined. Search warrants were also conducted at residential properties in Sydney, the NSW Central Coast, and Adelaide.

Two men from South Australia, both aged 37, were later arrested at a hotel in Hillarys in northern Perth for their alleged involvement in this drug importation.

The two men, along with the crew of the Valkoista, have been charged with importing a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug, contrary to subsection 307.1(1) of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth). The occupants of the van have been charged with possessing a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug reasonably suspected of having been unlawfully imported, contrary to section 307.8 of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth).

Both offences carry a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.

The eight men have been remanded in custody. The two men charged in Perth are scheduled to appear in Perth Magistrates Court today. The six men charged in Geraldton are scheduled to appear in Perth Magistrates Court on Wednesday, 17 January 2018.

AFP Deputy Commissioner Operations Leanne Close said police were continuing to gather and evaluate evidence.

“The success of this operation is a testament to the patience and dedication of our investigators, who have been working around the clock in the lead-up to Christmas to disrupt this record importation,” Deputy Commissioner Close said.

“The AFP will allege in court these men intended to distribute the drugs along the east coast of Australia – what these men didn’t count on was a calculated, intelligence-led response from the WA Joint Organised Crime Task Force which drew on the strengths and capabilities of the different agencies involved.”

Western Australia Police Commissioner Chris Dawson has commended the hard work of the joint agencies which has stopped many millions of harmful drug hits from reaching our cities and towns.

“I attribute the success of this operation to WA Police jointly working with National partners in the Joint Operational Crime Task Force. Intelligence has led to five law enforcement agencies working together to disrupt what we will allege is a serious crime syndicate. We are striking at the top end of drug trafficking before it gets further down the distribution chain,” WA Police Commissioner Dawson said.

ABF WA Regional Commander Rod O’Donnell praised the work of all involved, including the ABF’s Maritime Border Command and Strategic Border Command officers who provided significant monitoring and response capability during the operation, both on land and at sea.

Investigators from ABF Enforcement Command and intelligence from the Department of Home Affairs were also critical.

“This result is the culmination of several months of hard work by officers and staff from a number of state and federal agencies and, once again, together we have stopped a significant amount of methamphetamine before it could reach the Australian community,” Commander O’Donnell said.

“Australia’s maritime border is vast and some criminals clearly think they can exploit that and evade detection – they are wrong. These criminals should always assume we are nearby and we are watching.”

AUSTRAC National Manager Intelligence Dr John Moss said the agency supported the joint task force by developing the financial networks of the main suspects. AUSTRAC analysts collaborated with the task force to ensure relevant, accurate, and timely all-source intelligence was constantly available to support the investigative strategy.

“AUSTRAC financial intelligence was a critical element in detecting and monitoring the criminal activities of this drug syndicate,” Dr Moss said.

Elderly Couple Caught with 60 Pounds of Pot; Delivering Presents

The York County (Nebraska) Sheriff’s Office shared the following story on its Facebook Page without further comment. A man and woman, both in there 80s,  was travelling from California to Vermont when they were stopped in York County for crossing the center line.

The octogenarians explained to the deputies they were not selling the marijuana but intended to give it away as Christmas gifts. They were booked into the York County Jail.

 

 

Coast Guard Cutter Seizes 7 Tons of Cocaine & Rescues Ocean Wildlife

 

Photo: A Coast Guard Cutter Thetis boat crew arrives on scene with a jettison field and an entangled sea turtle during a 68-day Eastern Pacific counter drug patrol in 2017. They saw significant chaffing from the lines on his neck and flippers. (Coast Guard photo)

KEY WEST, Fla. — The Coast Guard Cutter Thetis returned to homeport in Key West Sunday following a 68-day Eastern Pacific counter drug patrol.

The cutter Thetis crew worked alongside the Pacific Tactical Law Enforcement Team, an aviation detachment from the Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron and a Royal Canadian Navy maritime coastal defense vessel in support of Operation Martillo seizing 6,755 kilograms of cocaine and 14 pounds of marijuana during eight separate interdictions that resulted in the apprehension of 24 suspected smugglers.

While on patrol Nov. 19, the cutter launched its Over the Horizon small boat to investigate a debris field. The boat crew discovered a large sea turtle entangled in multiple bales of suspected contraband.

Coast Guard Ens. Mark Krebs, the pursuit mission commander, said that as his team arrived on scene with the jettison field, they immediately noticed the entangled sea turtle. They saw significant chaffing from the lines on his neck and flippers. They briefed the commanding officer and went to work, carefully cutting the lines wrapped around the sea turtle and then eventually freeing him.

The boat crew recovered over 75-feet of line to prevent further entanglement of sea life and returned to the law enforcement mission recovering over 1,800 pounds of cocaine valued at over $53 million dollars from international waters.

During this patrol, the combined efforts of the cutter Thetis crew, Joint Interagency Task Force South, HITRON, PACTACLET and other Coast Guard assets eliminated nearly seven tons of illicit narcotics with a street value over $135 million dollars that pose a threat to national security and regional stability.

Operation Martillo is a U.S., European and Western Hemisphere partner-nation effort launched in January 2012 targeting illicit trafficking routes in coastal waters along the Central American isthmus.

Operation Martillo demonstrates a clear commitment of the Western Hemisphere and European nations to work as partners to counter the spread of transnational criminal organizations and to protect citizens in Central America from the violence, harm and exploitation created by these criminal networks.

Operation Martillo is an international, interagency operation that includes the participation of 18 countries committed to a regional approach against transnational criminal organizations moving illicit cargo. To date, partner nation efforts have contributed to 57 percent of all disruptions to illicit trafficking and 60 percent of the metric tons captured as part of the Operation Martillo initiative.

Serial Cat Killer (Rabbits & Foxes too) is Terrorizing London Area Communities

UPDATE 2.8.18
Courtesy SNARL, South Norwood Animal Rescue and Liberty, Facebook.
Folks in the London area have been looking for a serial animal killer for 2 years now.  (Animals are often decapitated and/or mutilated.) The suspect is thought to have killed as many as 400 animals, in particular cats.
Police have now issued a possible description of the suspect and there is a substantial reward. Pet owners are so concerned that they often have to keep their small animals inside for protection.
The case is also known as Croydon Cat Killer, M25 Cat Killer and Operation Takahe. Community members are actively involved in information sharing and posting flyers.

CASE UPDATE:

December 13

From Snarl:

I confirm that Tony Jenkins attended at Hayling Island today and examined Millie’s body. As a result of that examination, we are tentatively ruling her death into the investigation.

Because this incident is outside of London, we will need our pathologist to confirm what we suspect and this evening, Tony brought Millie back to London for that examination to take place, alongside a number of other victims.

What will happen now is that we will get leaflets out on the island, in the area around Millie’s home and extending as far as local volunteers can reach. Julie Betterton-Trew will be our co-ordinator for the area and will have a map to work off. If we need to extend the map, we can and we will.

In terms of the agreed Met Police protocol, what should happen is that Hampshire Police should now initiate a door to door and CCTV check. We will be asking DS Andrew Collin in Croydon to liaise with colleagues at Hampshire to ensure this happens. There is currently no vehicle identified that police can use to check against in terms of CCTV and the island is accessible by vehicle and by foot. We would ask that people bear this in mind when considering police efforts. Plenty of human murders remain unsolved for years because of a lack of CCTV, not a lack of effort.

We do not believe the killer is still on the island but he is known to go back to areas and we have had a number of incidents in Havant and Portsmouth. We cannot currently predict where he will go next so our advice is to keep your cats indoors at night and let them out during the day under supervision. If you have rabbits or guinea pigs or other pets in outdoor runs, please bring them indoors unless these runs are directly covered by CCTV and lighting, which may not stop the killer but may give him pause.

November attacks:

Welling, DA16 1 – 10 November 2017:
The mutilated body of a cat was found in the area near his home. This is being ruled into the investigation and the cat has been identified.

Luton, 10 November 2017:
The body of a rabbit was found at his home in this area. This was confirmed to be a human related attack and is part of the investigation.

Dover, 14 November 2017
Two rabbits were found decapitated at their home. This has been linked to the wider investigation.

St Albans AL3 7, 16 November 2017
The mutilated of a rabbit was found at his home after being taken from his secured hutch in the garden. This is being linked to the wider investigation.

Muswell Hill, 16 November 2017
The body of a cat was found near her home in this area. We would like to thank her owners for the extraordinary courage they displayed in letting us disinter her to examine her. This has been linked to the investigation.

Northampton NN5 6, 19 November 2017
The dismembered body of a cat was found near and at her home. We and police attended and this is being ruled into the wider investigation.

Croydon CR0 2, 19 November 2017
Police were called to the body of a mutilated cat. We would like to thank the PC who attended and secured the body whilst we were in Northampton. We attended at the vets today and confirm this cat as a victim.

New Addington, CR0 0, 21 November 2017
The mutilated body of a cat was found in this area. The cat has been identified and her owners notified. Investigations continue in this case.

Erith, DA8 2, found 21 November 2017, likely to have died two weeks previously
Police and Tony attended a call to the body of a mutilated cat found near a children’s centre. Unfortunately the cat was not chipped and had been dead for around two weeks, making identification impossible. Her wounds however were deeply suggestive of the others and we have ruled her a likely victim.

Uckfield TN22 1, 22 November 2017
The body of a cat who had been missing for some time was found near his home in this area. Local police attended and confirmed this case as linked.

Orpington BR5 2, 23 November 2017
The mutilated body of a cat was found near his home. The cat bore wounds indicative of the animal killer and this has been ruled into the investigation.

Greenhithe DA9, 23 November 2017
The decapitated body of a cat was found in this area. The owner has been identified and this has been linked into the wider investigation.

Sutton, SM1 2LX Collingwood recreation grounds, 24 November 2017
We and police were called to the body of a female cat who was decapitated. She was not chipped. If you are missing a cat from this area, please contact us.

Rest in peace little ones xx

 

21 Pacifiers Removed from Oklahoma Dog’s Tummy

So fare (sic) warning, some people may find the following series of photos disturbing!! I have to show them for two reasons, first, this was the most fascinating and exciting surgery I have ever done or my staff has ever been a part of. We love Dovey, and she is doing GREAT post op. Dr. Dad (who incidentally sutured my forehead together last year when the leaf blower fell off the shelf in the garage onto my face!!!) and Mom recently had there second beautiful child but were having a missing binkie dilemma, then grandma saw Dovey jump up on a counter and take off with one. She recently had slowed down her eating and vomited a little phlegm for a few days but other than that was acting fine. When she vomited up a binkie, plus the story from grandma, dad brought her in for an x-ray. You can see the binkie’s stacked up in the stomach, we counted 7-9. Well……by the end of surgery we had pulled 21 out of her stomach. That is the second, and most important, reason I am sharing these photo’s. Dog’s will eat anything, anytime and at any age so always be watching!!! Thank Dr Dad and Mom for letting me share this with clients!!!

Dovey the Dog courtesy KFOR News. All other photos courtesy Gentle Care Animal Hospital, Facebook.
Gentle Care Animal Hospital is located in Edmond, Oklahoma. Dr. Chris Rispoli and his team saved the day.

Marijuana Weed Leaf Christmas Tree Removed from Walmart Online

Walmart has removed its advertisement for this pot leaf Christmas tree ($249 with free shipping!) after being outed by several pro-legalization publications celebrated the news.

Not to worry, it is still available from other retailers. Descriptions below, emphasizing it is realistic yet artificial:

Amazon:

This Pot Leaf Christmas tree will “light up” the room and put your mind in the right head-space for holiday cheer. You’ll be able to relax and giggle at the marijuana leaves and decorate it as you please. This alternative Christmas tree is perfect for personal top shelf life at home or as a medical dispensary decoration. Green Wishes and Happy Holidhaze!

Ebay:

You’ll be able to relax and giggle at the marijuana leaves and decorate it as you please. This alternative Christmas tree is perfect for personal top shelf life at home or as a medical dispensary decoration. Green Wishes and Happy Holidaze! Realistic marijuana leaves 100% synthetic materials Ornaments and bow not included Approximately 7′ tall

Roy Moore’s Horse Twitter Account Gains 20K-Plus Followers in 24 Hours

Roy Moore’s Horse

@RoyMooresHorse

I did not ask for this. I am just a horse. I had no choice in the matter. My name is “Sassy.” For real.

Under Roy Moore, Alabama
Joined December 2017

 

Skydiving Santa Needs Help with Medical Bills

Photo: Kristoff the Elf’s Welcome Back Party, Courtesy GoFundMe.

The Go Fund Me campaign story:

Unfortunately … G’s (AKA George Krokus) skydiving mission to assist Santa in delivering Kristoff (a young girl’s elf on the shelf) and a bag of Spalding volleyballs to the Tampa Bay Beach Bums volleyball tourney supporting the “Operation Santa” toy drive in Gulfport yesterday was interrupted by a tree and lightpole.  After giving us a HUGE scare as he hit the tree and pole … with concerns that far more damage could have been done … we have good news that G is now out of surgery, in good spirits and recovering in the hospital with release expected Tuesday.  It appears that only his leg was broken (both Tibia & Fibula … one of the worst breaks ever seen by medical personnel onsite) but over time, he expects to make full recovery. Please help the Tampa Bay Beach Bums in raising funds to cover his out-of-pocket medical expenses (currently anticipated at $12,500). G is a great guy and beloved Beach Bum Original. Please help him out however you can this holiday season! Thank you so much!! Dominic

https://www.gofundme.com/skydivingsanta

Courtesy Dominic Nelson, GoFundMe.

Deer on Ice Rescued Evoking Fond Memories of Bambi on Ice

Photo Courtesy KOIN6, Portland, Oregon.

On December 8, 2017, Sunriver Fire and Rescue, located in Sunriver, Oregon, shared on its Facebook Page:

Rescue has no limits! Human or four-legged residents are all part of our community and today was the day for deer rescue.

In spring of this year, SRFD received a grant from Firehouse Subs for cold water immersion suits and an ice sled. They were put to use today rescuing a deer who became stranded on the ice of a golf course water feature.

Mystery Lights over Denver Explained: No it wasn’t Santa

A spokesperson for Joint Base Charleston told News19 Sunday morning that a group of 12 C-17 cargo jets took off from their base around 7 p.m. Saturday. Courtesy Charleston, SC (WLTX)

Staff Sgt. John Eller conducts pre-flights check on his C-17 Globemaster III Jan. 3 prior to taking off from Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii for a local area training mission. Sgt. Eller is a loadmaster from the 535th Airlift Squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Shane A. Cuomo)