General
NDLEA Uncovers Drugs Hidden in Candles and Clothing in Lagos
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has uncovered illicit drugs cleverly concealed in incense candles and ladies’ wear in the Lekki area of Lagos. According to a statement by NDLEA spokesman Femi Babafemi on Sunday, the agency’s operatives discovered these drugs, which were intended to be smuggled in and out of Nigeria through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport.
Babafemi detailed that the hidden drugs included consignments of cocaine and “loud,” a potent synthetic strain of cannabis, concealed in various items such as incense candles, game packs, dry hibiscus leaves, and ladies’ wear. Some suspects have been apprehended in connection with this operation.
A key arrest involved businessman Abdulwahab Owolabi Alebiosu, who was detained at his Horizon Court residence in Lekki on Thursday, July 18, 2024. His arrest followed the interception of a consignment containing 40 parcels of Loud, weighing 20.30 kg, which had been hidden in packs of chessboards, scrabbles, checkers, and poker sets. This shipment had arrived from Canada on a British Airways flight and was intercepted during a joint examination at the SAHCO import shed of the Lagos airport.
During a search of Alebiosu’s home, NDLEA operatives recovered additional exhibits, including drug paraphernalia such as a weighing scale and a cannabis potency test kit. Four vaping machines were also seized from his business premises on Admiralty Way, Lekki. Additionally, a Mikano black truck with registration number FST 657 HP was recovered from his residence.
In a related operation, NDLEA operatives at the NAHCO export shed of the MMIA intercepted two jumbo bags destined for Pakistan on Friday, July 19. These bags, which contained dried hibiscus leaves, dried bitter leaves, and other food items, were used to conceal four parcels of cocaine and 14 parcels of Loud, both weighing a total of 1.360 kg.
Further investigations led to the arrest of businesswoman Eze Queen Ogechi, who claimed she was sending the illicit consignment to Pakistan under the instruction of her brother, Eze Nnamdi Promise, who is based in South Asia.
General
Google Pushes Back Against Potential DOJ Proposal to Sell Chrome
Google has reacted strongly to reports that the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) may propose forcing the tech giant to sell its Chrome browser as part of antitrust remedies. The DOJ is expected to present its final recommendations to a judge this week in response to an August ruling that deemed Google a monopoly in online search.
Bloomberg reported the DOJ might also push for new restrictions on Google’s artificial intelligence (AI), Android operating system, and data usage practices. In a statement, Google executive Lee-Anne Mulholland criticized the proposal, saying, “The DOJ continues to push a radical agenda that goes far beyond the legal issues in this case.”
Mulholland warned that such measures would harm consumers, developers, and U.S. technological leadership at a critical time for innovation.
Chrome is the dominant web browser worldwide, commanding 64.61% of the global market as of October, according to Similarweb. Google’s search engine, with an estimated 90% global market share, benefits significantly from being the default search option in Chrome and other browsers, such as Safari on iPhones.
Judge Amit Mehta previously described default search engine agreements as “extremely valuable real estate” for Google, noting that competitors would need to spend billions to secure similar deals.
The DOJ has hinted at potentially breaking up Google to address concerns over its ability to leverage products like Chrome, the Play Store, and Android to maintain its search monopoly. Final proposals are expected to include remedies aimed at limiting Google’s dominance across multiple platforms.
Google remains firm in its opposition, maintaining that the proposed measures would negatively impact users and innovation. The outcome of the DOJ’s recommendations will shape the future of antitrust enforcement in the tech industry.
General
Switzerland and Italy Redraw Alpine Border as Melting Glaciers Shift Boundaries
Switzerland and Italy have been compelled to redraw sections of their shared border in the Alps due to the ongoing effects of melting glaciers, driven by climate change. The revised boundary will affect areas near the iconic Matterhorn, one of Europe’s highest peaks, and regions close to well-known ski resorts such as Zermatt.
The Swiss-Italian border is traditionally defined by glacier ridgelines or perpetual snow areas. However, as glaciers shrink, these natural demarcations have shifted, prompting both nations to adjust the border accordingly. A draft agreement was reached in May 2023 by a joint commission, and Switzerland officially approved the changes last Friday, with Italy’s final approval still pending.
The new borders, which will impact locations like Plateau Rosa, the Carrel refuge, and Gobba di Rollin, aim to address the practical needs of both countries, particularly in terms of maintaining natural areas. The clarified boundaries will also help resolve responsibility for managing these regions as the landscape continues to evolve.
Melting glaciers have revealed a number of surprising discoveries in recent years, including the remains of a German climber missing since 1986, found last July near the Matterhorn. Such discoveries highlight the rapid rate at which the glaciers are retreating and the broader impacts of climate change on the region.
General
Martinez Banned for ‘Offensive Behaviour’ by FIFA
Aston Villa and Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has been handed a two-match ban by FIFA for “offensive behaviour” during recent World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Colombia.
The suspension stems from two separate incidents. In the 3-0 win over Chile on September 6, Martinez controversially repeated his provocative celebration from the 2022 World Cup by holding a replica Copa America trophy against his crotch. This was Argentina’s first match since their Copa America victory in the United States in July.
Four days later, after Argentina’s 2-1 defeat to Colombia on September 10, Martinez hit a camera with his gloves as a cameraman approached him on the pitch.
The Argentina Football Association expressed disagreement with the suspension but acknowledged that Martinez was “responsible” for his actions. The ban means Martinez will miss Argentina’s upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Venezuela and Bolivia in October.
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