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Chinese marijuana grows an ongoing problem
Chinese marijuana grows an ongoing problem

Yahoo

time04-06-2025

  • Business
  • Yahoo

Chinese marijuana grows an ongoing problem

At the end of last year, a Chinese citizen, who also resided in Brooklyn, was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison for his role in a drug trafficking conspiracy in Oklahoma. His co-conspirator was also sentenced to 120 months. U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester announced that on June 6, 2023, a federal grand jury charged Jeff Weng and co-defendant Tong Lin with conspiracy to possess marijuana plants with intent to distribute. On Jan. 18, 2024, after a two-day trial, a federal jury deliberated about an hour before it found Weng and Lin guilty of drug conspiracy. "This case is the result of an investigation by the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office, along with assistance from the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics," states Troester's announcement. "It is also a part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force investigation." Phil Bacharach, director of Communications in the Oklahoma Attorney General's office, said that shortly before 2023, there were more than 12,000 licensed marijuana grows in Oklahoma. "Now, there are fewer than 2,800. We do believe a large part of the success in eradicating illegal marijuana grows is the Attorney General Office's Organized Crime Task Force, which AG [Gentner] Drummond established, and its partnerships with federal, tribal, state and local law enforcement," Bacharach said. "Since the OCTF formation, that work has resulted in 30 indictments, 49 arrests and the confiscation of nearly 227,000 marijuana plants – nearly 110,000 pounds." In response to TDP's question as to whether most of the operations are from elsewhere, Bacharach said the OCTF investigators are finding that much of the control and direction of these illegal marijuana grows are coming from out of state. "We credit tips and the OMMA both," Bacharach said. "It is worth noting that people can register anonymous tips with the AG's office at Bacharach said. He said the cases are all very different, and some multilayered cases can take nearly two years just to fully investigate. "Many of the workers we find are illegal immigrants, but often it is not clear whether they know they are part of an illegal marijuana grow operation," Bacharach said. District Attorney Jack Thorp, District 27, said his office does not know if there are Chinese operations in the Cherokee County area. "Part of that is a good chunk of that work is being handled by the Oklahoma Attorney General's Organized Crime Unit and the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics unit," Thorp said. "When they get a target, they tell us and we get involved." Thorp said that in the past, his office has worked on the cases deed-to-deed, but since the AG office put the task force together, his office has stepped back and the AG's office has taken the lead. "We set a specific search parameter and searched actual land deals and deeds that appeared to be potentially suspicious during the initial phase of medical marijuana," Thorp said. "Through that process, we believe we identified 63 illegal grows in Cherokee County." Thorp's office works hand-in-hand with the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority for information on permitting of operations. "There was an operation we were doing about four years ago, where we positioned a person in the OMMA office just to make sure, because these operators were switching these licenses back and forth so fast," Thorp said. "And just as we were getting ready to hit, the license had shifted to a different person." What has happened from those days to now is more cooperation between the OBN and OMMA, and they have dual licensing requirements, Thorp said. "You have to have an OBN license and an OMMA license in order to have these operations," Thorp said. "There has to be certain inspections made and there is some true tracking from seed-to-sell, when people do it correctly." Before those agencies were working together, one agency would have to be checked with and then the other, Thorp said. Thorp said a lot of legislation has been written and passed over the past couple of years on the legal issues of grow operations. "From the beginning of the legalization – the quote from the Colorado Narcotics investigators that came down and did some of the initial training was, 'Oklahoma was the wild, wild West as it related to marijuana,'" Thorp said. "We were growing 10 times more than we could ever supply to all of the licensed dispensaries." Well over half of the grow operations are out of business since the startup of the task force, Thorp said. "There was a situation where a couple of lawyers were investigated and ultimately charged for setting up straw-person operations," Thorp said. Thorp responded to a question from TDP, as to whether there have been any Chinese operations in his district. "I'm sure there was, yes. I was thinking back on the one we were about to hit – it was Hmong," Thorp said. "We've had allegations and investigations into a large Bulgarian group that has been our focus of investigation that I can't get into because it's an ongoing investigation." Thorp's new first assistant district attorney, Rick Incremona, was the Eastern Oklahoma prosecutor for some organized crime cases. "So he had quite a bit of information," Thorp said. "We had a pending case in Wagoner involving him as a prosecutor and there are some cases in Muskogee, Ottawa and LeFlore counties, but none in Cherokee, Adair or Sequoyah counties." Porsha Riley, director of communications with OMMA, said OMMA agents are assigned to the AG's OCTF, and play an active role in combating marijuana-related criminal activity. "We also collaborate closely with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies to strengthen enforcement efforts," Riley said.

Tolü Makay: ‘It may take 10, 20 years but I'll sing a James Bond theme'
Tolü Makay: ‘It may take 10, 20 years but I'll sing a James Bond theme'

Irish Independent

time31-05-2025

  • Entertainment
  • Irish Independent

Tolü Makay: ‘It may take 10, 20 years but I'll sing a James Bond theme'

The Nigerian-Irish singer on embracing her uniqueness and the viral performance she saw as a sign to keep following her dreams after quitting her job at Google You've got to dream big, says Tolü Makay. The Nigerian-Irish singer has long held 'sing a Bond theme song' as one of her greatest ambitions – and after a recent performance with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra, it seems just that little bit more achievable. 'It's been on my vision board for a long time,' the soul-pop singer says, acknowledging how a number of listeners insisted that she should join the pantheon of Bond singers after hearing her stunning rendition of the Bacharach/David classic Walk On By. 'The fact that people are seeing it now too, I'm like, 'OK! Thank you!'. Now, obviously, there are steps to that: you have to be one of the best or biggest stars of the time,' she adds, undaunted. 'So I'm like, 'OK, we need to figure out how this will happen. Maybe it'll be another 10, 20 years – but it's gonna happen at some point.''

Dubai World Cup 2025 is set to draw celebrities, influencers, royals to the races
Dubai World Cup 2025 is set to draw celebrities, influencers, royals to the races

Khaleej Times

time04-04-2025

  • Entertainment
  • Khaleej Times

Dubai World Cup 2025 is set to draw celebrities, influencers, royals to the races

The Dubai World Cup has evolved into one of the world's most prestigious horse racing events‭, ‬combining elite sport with high fashion‭, ‬international glamour‭, ‬and a guest list that includes celebrities‭, ‬influencers‭, ‬and royals‭.‬ Since its inception in March 1996‭, ‬it has not only been a premier sporting event that attracts the finest horses‭, ‬jockeys‭, ‬and trainers from around the world but is also a highlight on the global social calendar featuring high-profile personalities who add‭ ‬to the spectacle‭.‬ From Royal Ascot and the Melbourne Cup to the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe and the Breeders'‭ ‬Cup‭, ‬elite horse racing has always been synonymous with style and star power and the Dubai World Cup has cemented its place among these marquee events‭, ‬with icons from film‭, ‬fashion‭, ‬and sport regularly gracing the historic Nad Al Sheba and Meydan racecourses‭.‬ Global spectacle As the Dubai World Cup has grown into a global spectacle‭, ‬it has attracted an array of A-list celebrities who add their own touch of glamour to the event‭.‬ The inaugural edition at Nad Al Sheba wasn't just a spectacle on the track‭, ‬it was a star-studded affair‭. ‬Legendary British singer-songwriter Rod Stewart‭, ‬the iconic Burt‭ ‬Bacharach‭, ‬whose timeless melodies defined a generation‭, ‬and Hollywood's beloved Patrick Swayze‭, ‬best known for his unforgettable role in‭ ‬ Dirty Dancing‭, ‬were among the illustrious guests soaking in the magic of the Dubai World Cup's grand debut‭.‬ Bacharach‭, ‬the legendary composer behind the iconic hit‭ ‬Raindrops Keep Fallin'‭ ‬on My Head ‭, ‬was at Nad Al Sheba to watch his horse‭, ‬Soul of the Matter‭, ‬attempt to dethrone the great Cigar‭. ‬The race was a thrilling spectacle‭, ‬with Soul of the Matter giving it his all in a valiant effort‭, ‬but ultimately settling for second place‭. ‬Despite the close call‭, ‬Bacharach took the loss in stride‭, ‬reflecting on the race with his usual grace‭.‬ 'In music and in racing‭, ‬you pour your heart into every note‭, ‬every stride‭ ‬­—‭ ‬sometimes you hit the perfect melody‭, ‬sometimes you fall just short‭,‬'‭ ‬he told this writer‭. ‬'But the beauty is in the effort‭ ‬and Soul of the Matter gave us the performance of a lifetime‭.‬' This tradition of high-profile attendees has continued over the years‭, ‬drawing icons from the world of entertainment‭, ‬fashion‭, ‬and sport‭. ‬Among them was Bo Derek‭, ‬who graced the event in 2012‭. ‬Best known for her role in the classic film‭ ‬ 10‭, ‬Derek is not just a Hollywood star but also a passionate advocate for horse welfare‭, ‬making her presence at the Dubai World Cup all the more fitting‭.‬ Bollywood star and former Miss World Aishwarya Rai Bachchan has also made a striking appearance at the Dubai World Cup‭, ‬as has British actress and presenter Denise van Outen‭, ‬both known for their presence on red carpets worldwide‭. ‬'Being at the Dubai World Cup is an absolutely thrilling experience‭,‬'‭ ‬Rai said‭. ‬'The atmosphere is incredible‭ ‬—‭ ‬I love the fusion of luxury‭, ‬sport‭, ‬and excitement‭.‬' Football legends in the spotlight From the world of sports‭, ‬legendary Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has attended both as a spectator and a racehorse‭ ‬owner‭. ‬Footballers Peter Crouch and Michael Owen have also made appearances‭, ‬with Owen celebrating Brown Panther's victory in the 2016‭ ‬Dubai Gold Cup‭. ‬Reflecting on his prized thoroughbred‭, ‬Owen‭, ‬who also won the 2014‭ ‬Irish St‭. ‬Leger with Brown Panther‭, ‬expressed his admiration saying‭: ‬'He's the horse of a lifetime‭ ‬—‭ ‬a true superstar in my eyes‭. ‬To win here‭, ‬on a night that showcases the best horses‭, ‬jockeys‭, ‬and trainers from around the world‭, ‬is a massive achievement‭. ‬I couldn't be prouder as his breeder‭.‬' Former British boxing champion Chris Eubank Sr‭., ‬known for his distinctive fashion sense‭, ‬turned heads with his aristocratic-meets-equestrian style‭, ‬sporting knee-length riding breeches and polished leather boots‭.‬ Even world-famous musicians have hit a high note at the Dubai World Cup‭, ‬with iconic rock star and style legend Bryan Ferry bringing his signature sophistication to the party in 2000‭, ‬proving that the event is as much about glamour and culture as it is about world-class racing‭.‬ Rocking Meydan As the lead singer and songwriter of the groundbreaking band Roxy Music‭, ‬Ferry helped shape the glam rock and art rock movements‭, ‬blending avant-garde aesthetics with chart-topping hits like‭ ‬Love Is the Drug‭, ‬More Than This‭, ‬and‭ ‬ Avalon‭. ‬Renowned for his impeccably tailored suits and effortlessly cool persona‭, ‬Ferry is a symbol of timeless elegance in music and‭ ‬fashion‭, ‬which he brought to Dubai's showpiece event‭.‬ That same year‭, ‬the late art dealer and renowned racehorse owner Alec Wildenstein also graced the exclusive gathering‭,‬ In recent years‭, ‬social media influencers and fashion icons have helped reinforce the Dubai World Cup's status as a luxury lifestyle event‭. ‬Arabic pop star Nancy Ajram attended in 2017‭ ‬as a guest of Emirates‭, ‬while Tunisian model‭ ‬Rym Saidi made waves in 2023‭ ‬with a striking Fendi ensemble‭.‬ Beyond celebrity presence‭, ‬the Dubai World Cup remains an occasion of national significance‭, ‬regularly attended by UAE royals and dignitaries from around the Middle East and Gulf region‭. ‬Members of the ruling families of Saudi Arabia‭, ‬Qatar‭, ‬Bahrain‭, ‬and Kuwait also attend the race meet regularly‭, ‬reinforcing the event's status as a key gathering in the region's sporting and social landscape‭.‬ With its combination of world-class racing‭, ‬high society‭, ‬and luxury‭, ‬the Dubai World Cup continues to be a defining event on the global calendar‭, ‬effortlessly merging sport and spectacle in a way few other occasions can‭.‬

Dubai World Cup 2025 is set to draw celebrities, influencers, royals
Dubai World Cup 2025 is set to draw celebrities, influencers, royals

Khaleej Times

time03-04-2025

  • Entertainment
  • Khaleej Times

Dubai World Cup 2025 is set to draw celebrities, influencers, royals

The Dubai World Cup has evolved into one of the world's most prestigious horse racing events‭, ‬combining elite sport with high fashion‭, ‬international glamour‭, ‬and a guest list that includes celebrities‭, ‬influencers‭, ‬and royals‭.‬ Since its inception in March 1996‭, ‬it has not only been a premier sporting event that attracts the finest horses‭, ‬jockeys‭, ‬and trainers from around the world but is also a highlight on the global social calendar featuring high-profile personalities who add‭ ‬to the spectacle‭.‬ From Royal Ascot and the Melbourne Cup to the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe and the Breeders'‭ ‬Cup‭, ‬elite horse racing has always been synonymous with style and star power and the Dubai World Cup has cemented its place among these marquee events‭, ‬with icons from film‭, ‬fashion‭, ‬and sport regularly gracing the historic Nad Al Sheba and Meydan racecourses‭.‬ Global spectacle As the Dubai World Cup has grown into a global spectacle‭, ‬it has attracted an array of A-list celebrities who add their own touch of glamour to the event‭.‬ The inaugural edition at Nad Al Sheba wasn't just a spectacle on the track‭, ‬it was a star-studded affair‭. ‬Legendary British singer-songwriter Rod Stewart‭, ‬the iconic Burt‭ ‬Bacharach‭, ‬whose timeless melodies defined a generation‭, ‬and Hollywood's beloved Patrick Swayze‭, ‬best known for his unforgettable role in‭ ‬ Dirty Dancing‭, ‬were among the illustrious guests soaking in the magic of the Dubai World Cup's grand debut‭.‬ Bacharach‭, ‬the legendary composer behind the iconic hit‭ ‬Raindrops Keep Fallin'‭ ‬on My Head ‭, ‬was at Nad Al Sheba to watch his horse‭, ‬Soul of the Matter‭, ‬attempt to dethrone the great Cigar‭. ‬The race was a thrilling spectacle‭, ‬with Soul of the Matter giving it his all in a valiant effort‭, ‬but ultimately settling for second place‭. ‬Despite the close call‭, ‬Bacharach took the loss in stride‭, ‬reflecting on the race with his usual grace‭.‬ 'In music and in racing‭, ‬you pour your heart into every note‭, ‬every stride‭ ‬­—‭ ‬sometimes you hit the perfect melody‭, ‬sometimes you fall just short‭,‬'‭ ‬he told this writer‭. ‬'But the beauty is in the effort‭ ‬and Soul of the Matter gave us the performance of a lifetime‭.‬' This tradition of high-profile attendees has continued over the years‭, ‬drawing icons from the world of entertainment‭, ‬fashion‭, ‬and sport‭. ‬Among them was Bo Derek‭, ‬who graced the event in 2012‭. ‬Best known for her role in the classic film‭ ‬ 10‭, ‬Derek is not just a Hollywood star but also a passionate advocate for horse welfare‭, ‬making her presence at the Dubai World Cup all the more fitting‭.‬ Bollywood star and former Miss World Aishwarya Rai Bachchan has also made a striking appearance at the Dubai World Cup‭, ‬as has British actress and presenter Denise van Outen‭, ‬both known for their presence on red carpets worldwide‭. ‬'Being at the Dubai World Cup is an absolutely thrilling experience‭,‬'‭ ‬Rai said‭. ‬'The atmosphere is incredible‭ ‬—‭ ‬I love the fusion of luxury‭, ‬sport‭, ‬and excitement‭.‬' Football legends in the spotlight From the world of sports‭, ‬legendary Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has attended both as a spectator and a racehorse‭ ‬owner‭. ‬Footballers Peter Crouch and Michael Owen have also made appearances‭, ‬with Owen celebrating Brown Panther's victory in the 2016‭ ‬Dubai Gold Cup‭. ‬Reflecting on his prized thoroughbred‭, ‬Owen‭, ‬who also won the 2014‭ ‬Irish St‭. ‬Leger with Brown Panther‭, ‬expressed his admiration saying‭: ‬'He's the horse of a lifetime‭ ‬—‭ ‬a true superstar in my eyes‭. ‬To win here‭, ‬on a night that showcases the best horses‭, ‬jockeys‭, ‬and trainers from around the world‭, ‬is a massive achievement‭. ‬I couldn't be prouder as his breeder‭.‬' Former British boxing champion Chris Eubank Sr‭., ‬known for his distinctive fashion sense‭, ‬turned heads with his aristocratic-meets-equestrian style‭, ‬sporting knee-length riding breeches and polished leather boots‭.‬ Even world-famous musicians have hit a high note at the Dubai World Cup‭, ‬with iconic rock star and style legend Bryan Ferry bringing his signature sophistication to the party in 2000‭, ‬proving that the event is as much about glamour and culture as it is about world-class racing‭.‬ Rocking Meydan As the lead singer and songwriter of the groundbreaking band Roxy Music‭, ‬Ferry helped shape the glam rock and art rock movements‭, ‬blending avant-garde aesthetics with chart-topping hits like‭ ‬Love Is the Drug‭, ‬More Than This‭, ‬and‭ ‬ Avalon‭. ‬Renowned for his impeccably tailored suits and effortlessly cool persona‭, ‬Ferry is a symbol of timeless elegance in music and‭ ‬fashion‭, ‬which he brought to Dubai's showpiece event‭.‬ That same year‭, ‬the late art dealer and renowned racehorse owner Alec Wildenstein also graced the exclusive gathering‭,‬ In recent years‭, ‬social media influencers and fashion icons have helped reinforce the Dubai World Cup's status as a luxury lifestyle event‭. ‬Arabic pop star Nancy Ajram attended in 2017‭ ‬as a guest of Emirates‭, ‬while Tunisian model‭ ‬Rym Saidi made waves in 2023‭ ‬with a striking Fendi ensemble‭.‬ Beyond celebrity presence‭, ‬the Dubai World Cup remains an occasion of national significance‭, ‬regularly attended by UAE royals and dignitaries from around the Middle East and Gulf region‭. ‬Members of the ruling families of Saudi Arabia‭, ‬Qatar‭, ‬Bahrain‭, ‬and Kuwait also attend the race meet regularly‭, ‬reinforcing the event's status as a key gathering in the region's sporting and social landscape‭.‬ With its combination of world-class racing‭, ‬high society‭, ‬and luxury‭, ‬the Dubai World Cup continues to be a defining event on the global calendar‭, ‬effortlessly merging sport and spectacle in a way few other occasions can‭.‬

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