Latest news with #MarkWatson
Daily Mail
7 days ago
- Daily Mail
BREAKING NEWS Emily Maitlis' serial stalker is jailed for five years for another breach of a restraining order after sending letters to her from prison
A serial stalker who sent letters to Emily Maitlis and her parents from behind bars was jailed this morning for five years. Vines - who had briefly become friends with Ms Maitlis while they were both students at Cambridge University in 1990 - has repeatedly breached orders banning him from contacting the journalist and broadcaster and was in prison for similar offences. Judge Mark Watson told a court Vines had shown 'utter comptempt' for a restraining order and added: 'It is a tragedy that I once again have to deal with Mr Vines for breaching the restraining order imposed to stop him having contact with Emily Maitlis and her family. 'His obsession with Emily Maitlis has tortured him without release.' Vines was last month found guilty of breaching a restraining order not to contact the former BBC Newsnight host or her parents Marion and Peter Maitlis by posting letters whilst in prison to all three between May 2023 and February 2024. A jury at Nottingham Crown Court took less than an hour to unanimously convict Vines after a trial in which he represented himself. The trial was told how the prisoner addressed letters to the The News Agents podcast host and her parents which breached a restraining order, including claims she had been 'scornful' to him during their friendship at university. Jurors were told that in a letter written to Ms Maitlis, the defendant claimed he 'regularly' suffers depression because their friendship ended, and has done for 30 years. A jury heard how the defendant sent envelopes, sometimes containing more than one letter, addressed to the trio, which were intercepted by prison staff at HMP Lowdham Grange in Nottinghamshire. Prosecutor Fergus Malone read aloud letters to the court, posted by Vines through the prison mailing system, which included him saying he was 'distraught' about the friendship ending, three months after he told Ms Maitlis he loved her, during their time at university. In July 2023 Vines wrote: 'I took the audacity of writing to you despite the restraining order because I'm still distraught about what took place between us in 1990. 'I regularly suffer depression over it and have for 30 years. I admit I'm not sure why I suffer so, but suffer I do.' In a letter addressed to Ms Maitlis's mother in May of that year, Vines had described Ms Maitlis as 'offish and scornful', the trial heard. The restraining order was put in place in September 2022 when Vines was jailed for eight years for attempting to breach a previous restraining order for the 20th time. Jurors in that case were told that Vines had 'systematically and with increasing frequency' breached two separate restraining orders imposed on him in 2002 and 2009 - leading to seven separate prosecutions. On that occasion Judge Watson described him as having a 'tortured pre-occupation' with former BBC Newsnight presenter and 'an obsession' with her which he has been unable to escape. Vines was jailed for eight years in 2023 after bombarding the News Agents presenter with letters following a fixation that has spanned since the pair attended Cambridge University together in the 1990s. Other celebrities who have suffered from stalkers in recent years include actress Claire Foy, broadcaster Isla Traquair and radio and TV star Jeremy Vine. Ms Maitlis conducted the infamous Newsnight interview with Prince Andrew which led to the Duke of York stepping back from official public duties after being criticised for his unsympathetic tone and lack of remorse about his friendship with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein. Last year she said she felt 'empathy' for Vines because he is suffering from an 'obsessional illness'. She has also said that stalking needs to be renamed as it is too closely associated with glamour and celebrities, rather than mental health. News Agents presenters Jon Sopel, Emily Maitlis and Lewis Goodall pictured at a podcast event in London two years ago Ms Maitlis said we should re-frame how we look at such criminal behaviour and see it as an 'obsessional illness'. Speaking on the Desperately Seeking Wisdom podcast, she said: 'Look, I think of (Edward Vines) as having kind of lost his whole life over this, quite frankly. 'Of course I feel, I feel empathetic to that. 'I think the trouble with stalking is that in our heads it sounds sort of celebrity related or glamorous - sort of dark streets and high heels - and most stalking has nothing to do with that. 'It's just to do with an obsessional illness in the head of the person and actually we're getting much better at recognising mental health and all its myriad forms now.' Ms Maitlis said she does not like the use of the word stalking, in general, and said it was time to consider a different term that focuses it being a medical illness. She explained: 'And I think we've got to find a different word for stalking, which is much more to do with his brain (not) working properly. 'I know that you don't just need a prison system. You need a psychiatric system.' Ms Maitlis has previously told how Vines' fixation with her has affected her relationship with husband Mark Gwynne. Ms Maitlis said: 'It has affected my relationship with my husband who is frustrated we cannot get to the bottom of the problem even though we have been tackling it through the courts and CPS for over twenty years and it has scared my children who thought the threat had gone way - albeit temporarily while he was behind bars.'
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Volt Lithium to Commission Mobile Direct Lithium Extraction Unit in North Dakota's Bakken Region
Expansion into North Dakota's Bakken Basin Reinforces Company's Leadership in U.S. Critical Mineral Supply CALGARY, Alberta, June 11, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Volt Lithium Corp. (TSXV: VLT | OTCQB: VLTLF | FSE: I2D) ("Volt" or the "Company"), soon to become LibertyStream Infrastructure Partners Inc., pending shareholder approval, announces the upcoming final assembly and deployment of its proprietary mobile Direct Lithium Extraction ("DLE") unit in North Dakota's Bakken region, with commissioning scheduled for the second half of June 2025. This initiative, in collaboration with Wellspring Hydro ("Wellspring"), is supported by a combined US$2.5 million in funding facilitated through the North Dakota Industrial Commission's Clean Sustainable Energy Authority and Renewable Energy Program. "Wellspring and the State of North Dakota are excited to commence field operations with Volt in North Dakota in the second half of June," commented Mark Watson, President and CEO of Wellspring. "Volt is the only DLE company that the State Of North Dakota has funded to date", added Mr. Watson. "Based upon the successful lithium extraction results at Volt's R&D Facility in Calgary, both groups have full confidence Volt's proprietary lithium extraction unit will be successful in the field." The upcoming name change to LibertyStream Infrastructure Partners Inc., reflects the Company's ongoing strategy to partner with key oilfield infrastructure players in the US to extract lithium, a valuable critical mineral, from the significant streams of produced water associated with oil and gas production. Key Highlights: Proprietary Technology and Process adapts to multiple brine chemistries, driving Volt's Expansion to the Bakken in North Dakota Strategically positioned in North America's two largest oil-producing basins (Permian and Bakken). Permian potential: up to 170,000 tonnes of Lithium Carbonate Equivalent (LCE) annually. Bakken potential: up to 50,000 tonnes of LCE annually, nearly 3x higher lithium concentration compared to the Permian. Building active inventory of lithium chloride and converting to high-purity lithium carbonate for potential off takers. Deployed, scaled and optimized North America's largest operational DLE system (10,000+ barrels/day) within six months of initial deployment. Proprietary Technology and Process Driving Volt's Expansion to the Bakken in North Dakota Volt's proprietary operating system has been built to partner with existing salt-water disposal ("SWD") operators in oilfields across the US and the Company's proprietary extraction compound (the "Media") is tailored to extract lithium from oilfield brines. This partnership model reduces capital and operating costs compared to developing a traditional greenfield lithium extraction facility. By integrating our DLE units with existing infrastructure, Volt accelerates its path to production and enhances project economics in several key ways: Capital Savings: We eliminate the need for costly and time-intensive greenfield development, including drilling new wells, extensive land acquisition, and building new pipeline networks. Our units tie directly into the partner's SWD facilities; and Operating Savings: We tap into a continuous stream of lithium-rich brine that is already being brought to the surface as part of daily oilfield operations. The combination of Volt's proprietary operating system and Media has facilitated the Company's significant growth from lab scale production in 2024 at its Research and Development Facility ("R&D Facility") in Calgary, Alberta to its field operating system in the Permian Basin capable of processing 10,000 barrels of brine per day in 2025. With the Bakken field unit, Volt aims to demonstrate that its proprietary, modular DLE process can capture value across both high‑volume, lower‑grade brines and higher‑concentration resources—showcasing basin‑agnostic versatility and the potential for improved project economics in multiple North American basins. Strategic Significance: North American Lithium Leadership Volt Lithium now holds strategic footholds in North America's two most prolific onshore oil-producing basins—the Permian in Texas and New Mexico, and the Bakken in North Dakota. Together, these basins represent over 60% of total U.S. onshore oil output, providing significant opportunities for lithium extraction from extensive lithium-rich produced water volumes. The Permian Basin alone generates approximately 19 million barrels per day of produced water at lithium concentrations averaging around 30 ppm, translating to a conservative 170,000 tonnes per annum ("tpa") of potential LCE. The Williston Basin Bakken production ranges from 1.6 million to 2 million barrels of produced water per day. Internal lab tests on Bakken brine samples show lithium concentrations reaching 90 ppm—nearly three times Permian grades, suggesting potential production of ~50 000 tpa LCE. Commercial Readiness and Market Engagement Volt is building an inventory of lithium chloride from its Permian Basin operations and has initiated converting this inventory into lithium carbonate, achieving purity levels suitable for premium-specification offtake agreements. Samples are being distributed to potential offtake partners to facilitate commercial partnerships and validate product specifications. Operational Milestones & Scalability In September 2024, Volt deployed its first DLE field unit in the Permian Basin, subsequently scaling up to its Generation 5 unit by February 2025. This rapid scaling resulted in North America's largest operational DLE system, capable of processing over 10,000 barrels per day of produced water. The upcoming Bakken mobile deployment represents further lateral expansion, validating the modular technology's adaptability across basins and showcasing its potential for rapid replication and scaling. North Dakota Unit Field Deployment, High-Level Stakeholder & Government Engagement Volt is in the final stages of assembling its mobile Field Unit for deployment and commissioning in North Dakota in the second half of June 2025. Volt's field trial will be processing brine from the Bakken formation. The Bakken represents the second largest producer of brine in the continental USA, processing up to 2 million barrels of brine per day at lithium concentrations up to 90 ppm. While conducting the field trial, Volt and Wellspring Hydro look forward to hosting representatives from the following key stakeholder groups: State of North Dakota Representatives and Leadership North Dakota State Senators North Dakota Department of Commerce Leaders North Dakota Trade and Financial Leaders Key Industry Stakeholders These stakeholders, along with interested investors, will participate in site visits during both commissioning and operational phases, gaining firsthand insights into the technology's scalability and strategic impact. CEO Commentary "Volt's modular, rapidly deployable DLE technology is gaining strong interest from industry partners. Volt's deployment of a second unit into the Bakken demonstrates the technology is capable of adapting to multiple types of oilfields and varying grades of lithium concentrations, positioning the Company to meet growing market demand and expand across key American basins." — Alex Wylie, President & CEO of Volt Lithium About Volt Lithium Volt is a lithium development and technology company aiming to be one of North America's first commercial producers of lithium carbonates from oilfield brine. Our strategy is to generate value for shareholders by leveraging management's hydrocarbon experience to deploy our proprietary DLE technology directly into existing oil and gas infrastructure, thereby reducing capital costs, lowering risks and supporting the world's clean energy transition. With four differentiating pillars, and a proprietary Direct Lithium Extraction ("DLE") technology and process, Volt's innovative approach to development is focused on generating the highest lithium recoveries with lowest costs, positioning us for future commercialization. We are committed to operating efficiently and with transparency across all areas of the business staying sharply focused on creating long-term, sustainable shareholder value. Investors and/or other interested parties may sign up for updates about the Company's continued progress on its website: Contact Information Forward Looking Statements This news release includes certain "forward-looking statements" and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. When used in this news release, the words "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "target", "plan", "forecast", "may", "will", "would", "could", "schedule" and similar words or expressions, identify forward-looking statements or information. Statements, other than statements of historical fact, may constitute forward-looking information and include, without limitation, information with respect to the terms of the operational milestone, Volume Scale-up. Extraction Time Improvements and Continuous Processing vs Batch Processing, the deployment of the Field Unit in the Permian Basin, the production of battery grade lithium by the Field Unit, and the commercial production of lithium from oilfield brine. With respect to the forward-looking information contained in this press release, the Company has made numerous assumptions. While the Company considers these assumptions to be reasonable, these assumptions are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies and may prove to be incorrect. Additionally, there are known and unknown risk factors which could cause the Company's actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information contained herein including those known risk factors outlined in the Company's annual information form for the year ended June 30, 2024 and (final) short form base shelf prospectus dated July 20, 2023. All forward-looking information herein is qualified in its entirety by this cautionary statement, and the Company disclaims any obligation to revise or update any such forward-looking information or to publicly announce the result of any revisions to any of the forward-looking information contained herein to reflect future results, events or developments, except as required by law. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release. View source version on Contacts For Investor Relations inquiries or further information, please contact:Alex Wylie, President & CEOT: +1.403.830.5811E: info@ Or Bill McClain, Investor RelationsT: +1.604.773.9423E: info@ Sign in to access your portfolio
Business Wire
11-06-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Volt Lithium to Commission Mobile Direct Lithium Extraction Unit in North Dakota's Bakken Region
CALGARY, Alberta--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Volt Lithium Corp. (TSXV: VLT | OTCQB: VLTLF | FSE: I2D) (' Volt ' or the ' Company '), soon to become LibertyStream Infrastructure Partners Inc., pending shareholder approval, announces the upcoming final assembly and deployment of its proprietary mobile Direct Lithium Extraction ("DLE") unit in North Dakota's Bakken region, with commissioning scheduled for the second half of June 2025. This initiative, in collaboration with Wellspring Hydro ('Wellspring'), is supported by a combined US$2.5 million in funding facilitated through the North Dakota Industrial Commission's Clean Sustainable Energy Authority and Renewable Energy Program. Volt's modular, rapidly deployable DLE technology is gaining strong interest from industry partners. Share ' Wellspring and the State of North Dakota are excited to commence field operations with Volt in North Dakota in the second half of June,' commented Mark Watson, President and CEO of Wellspring. ' Volt is the only DLE company that the State Of North Dakota has funded to date ', added Mr. Watson. 'Based upon the successful lithium extraction results at Volt's R&D Facility in Calgary, both groups have full confidence Volt's proprietary lithium extraction unit will be successful in the field.' The upcoming name change to LibertyStream Infrastructure Partners Inc., reflects the Company's ongoing strategy to partner with key oilfield infrastructure players in the US to extract lithium, a valuable critical mineral, from the significant streams of produced water associated with oil and gas production. Key Highlights: Proprietary Technology and Process adapts to multiple brine chemistries, driving Volt's Expansion to the Bakken in North Dakota Strategically positioned in North America's two largest oil-producing basins (Permian and Bakken). Permian potential: up to 170,000 tonnes of Lithium Carbonate Equivalent (LCE) annually. Bakken potential: up to 50,000 tonnes of LCE annually, nearly 3x higher lithium concentration compared to the Permian. Building active inventory of lithium chloride and converting to high-purity lithium carbonate for potential off takers. Deployed, scaled and optimized North America's largest operational DLE system (10,000+ barrels/day) within six months of initial deployment. Proprietary Technology and Process Driving Volt's Expansion to the Bakken in North Dakota Volt's proprietary operating system has been built to partner with existing salt-water disposal ('SWD') operators in oilfields across the US and the Company's proprietary extraction compound (the 'Media') is tailored to extract lithium from oilfield brines. This partnership model reduces capital and operating costs compared to developing a traditional greenfield lithium extraction facility. By integrating our DLE units with existing infrastructure, Volt accelerates its path to production and enhances project economics in several key ways: Capital Savings: We eliminate the need for costly and time-intensive greenfield development, including drilling new wells, extensive land acquisition, and building new pipeline networks. Our units tie directly into the partner's SWD facilities; and Operating Savings: We tap into a continuous stream of lithium-rich brine that is already being brought to the surface as part of daily oilfield operations. The combination of Volt's proprietary operating system and Media has facilitated the Company's significant growth from lab scale production in 2024 at its Research and Development Facility ('R&D Facility') in Calgary, Alberta to its field operating system in the Permian Basin capable of processing 10,000 barrels of brine per day in 2025. With the Bakken field unit, Volt aims to demonstrate that its proprietary, modular DLE process can capture value across both high‑volume, lower‑grade brines and higher‑concentration resources—showcasing basin‑agnostic versatility and the potential for improved project economics in multiple North American basins. Strategic Significance: North American Lithium Leadership Volt Lithium now holds strategic footholds in North America's two most prolific onshore oil-producing basins—the Permian in Texas and New Mexico, and the Bakken in North Dakota. Together, these basins represent over 60% of total U.S. onshore oil output, providing significant opportunities for lithium extraction from extensive lithium-rich produced water volumes. The Permian Basin alone generates approximately 19 million barrels per day of produced water at lithium concentrations averaging around 30 ppm, translating to a conservative 170,000 tonnes per annum ("tpa") of potential LCE. The Williston Basin Bakken production ranges from 1.6 million to 2 million barrels of produced water per day. Internal lab tests on Bakken brine samples show lithium concentrations reaching 90 ppm —nearly three times Permian grades, suggesting potential production of ~50 000 tpa LCE. Commercial Readiness and Market Engagement Volt is building an inventory of lithium chloride from its Permian Basin operations and has initiated converting this inventory into lithium carbonate, achieving purity levels suitable for premium-specification offtake agreements. Samples are being distributed to potential offtake partners to facilitate commercial partnerships and validate product specifications. Operational Milestones & Scalability In September 2024, Volt deployed its first DLE field unit in the Permian Basin, subsequently scaling up to its Generation 5 unit by February 2025. This rapid scaling resulted in North America's largest operational DLE system, capable of processing over 10,000 barrels per day of produced water. The upcoming Bakken mobile deployment represents further lateral expansion, validating the modular technology's adaptability across basins and showcasing its potential for rapid replication and scaling. North Dakota Unit Field Deployment, High-Level Stakeholder & Government Engagement Volt is in the final stages of assembling its mobile Field Unit for deployment and commissioning in North Dakota in the second half of June 2025. Volt's field trial will be processing brine from the Bakken formation. The Bakken represents the second largest producer of brine in the continental USA, processing up to 2 million barrels of brine per day at lithium concentrations up to 90 ppm. While conducting the field trial, Volt and Wellspring Hydro look forward to hosting representatives from the following key stakeholder groups: State of North Dakota Representatives and Leadership North Dakota State Senators North Dakota Department of Commerce Leaders North Dakota Trade and Financial Leaders Key Industry Stakeholders These stakeholders, along with interested investors, will participate in site visits during both commissioning and operational phases, gaining firsthand insights into the technology's scalability and strategic impact. CEO Commentary 'Volt's modular, rapidly deployable DLE technology is gaining strong interest from industry partners. Volt's deployment of a second unit into the Bakken demonstrates the technology is capable of adapting to multiple types of oilfields and varying grades of lithium concentrations, positioning the Company to meet growing market demand and expand across key American basins.' — Alex Wylie, President & CEO of Volt Lithium About Volt Lithium Volt is a lithium development and technology company aiming to be one of North America's first commercial producers of lithium carbonates from oilfield brine. Our strategy is to generate value for shareholders by leveraging management's hydrocarbon experience to deploy our proprietary DLE technology directly into existing oil and gas infrastructure, thereby reducing capital costs, lowering risks and supporting the world's clean energy transition. With four differentiating pillars, and a proprietary Direct Lithium Extraction (' DLE ') technology and process, Volt's innovative approach to development is focused on generating the highest lithium recoveries with lowest costs, positioning us for future commercialization. We are committed to operating efficiently and with transparency across all areas of the business staying sharply focused on creating long-term, sustainable shareholder value. Investors and/or other interested parties may sign up for updates about the Company's continued progress on its website: Contact Information Forward Looking Statements This news release includes certain 'forward-looking statements' and 'forward-looking information' within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. When used in this news release, the words 'anticipate', 'believe', 'estimate', 'expect', 'target', 'plan', 'forecast', 'may', 'will', 'would', 'could', 'schedule' and similar words or expressions, identify forward-looking statements or information. Statements, other than statements of historical fact, may constitute forward-looking information and include, without limitation, information with respect to the terms of the operational milestone, Volume Scale-up. Extraction Time Improvements and Continuous Processing vs Batch Processing, the deployment of the Field Unit in the Permian Basin, the production of battery grade lithium by the Field Unit, and the commercial production of lithium from oilfield brine. With respect to the forward-looking information contained in this press release, the Company has made numerous assumptions. While the Company considers these assumptions to be reasonable, these assumptions are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies and may prove to be incorrect. Additionally, there are known and unknown risk factors which could cause the Company's actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information contained herein including those known risk factors outlined in the Company's annual information form for the year ended June 30, 2024 and (final) short form base shelf prospectus dated July 20, 2023. All forward-looking information herein is qualified in its entirety by this cautionary statement, and the Company disclaims any obligation to revise or update any such forward-looking information or to publicly announce the result of any revisions to any of the forward-looking information contained herein to reflect future results, events or developments, except as required by law. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.
The Courier
04-06-2025
- General
- The Courier
Extended prison sentence after Dundee murder bid 'like a horror film'
A violent brute who left a woman with a four-inch throat wound after a vodka-fuelled murder bid in her Dundee home has been hit with an extended prison sentence. Mark Watson, 56, subjected the vulnerable woman to a terrifying attack with a kitchen knife in the Charleston area over the 2022 festive period. His victim told police: 'He stabbed me everywhere, like in the movies.' The High Court in Dundee heard how the woman turned up at her shocked neighbour's house, clutching her neck. Watson denied attempted murder but jurors convicted him by a unanimous verdict. The trial heard how Watson and the woman had planned to spend Christmas together at her house on Craigowan Road. It was claimed the attack happened at around 7.30am on December 28, with Watson having been in and out of her bedroom during the night after drinking vodka. The woman had said everything between them was 'good' and Watson's help for her had previously been 'brilliant'. Ambulance technician Alexander Bourke treated the woman for a three-inch cut to her thumb and first finger, as well as a four-inch laceration across her throat. The woman's t-shirt was 'dark-stained' with blood from the neck down and she was holding her throat when emergency services arrived. Mr Bourke said under questioning from advocate depute Lindsey Dalziel: 'She said her male friend was intoxicated. 'She said it was like something out of a horror film. She thought she was going to die. 'She said she was surprised she was still alive and went downstairs to seek help to a neighbour who called us.' Sergeant Kirsten Kiddie met the woman in the back of the ambulance where she named Watson as the man responsible. The officer said: 'She said 'he stabbed me everywhere like in the movies. I was in my bed and bleeding everywhere'.' The woman's evidence was pre-recorded and played to jurors at the start of the trial. Blood was found in various parts of the flat, including Watson's own blood which the court heard was due to him self-harming. Watson denied he was even there when the woman was hurt. Formerly of Adamson Court, Watson had been remanded in custody ahead of sentencing for a social work report to be prepared. At the High Court in Glasgow, judge Lord Renucci sentenced Watson to an 11-year sentence comprised of nine years in custody and an extended sentence in the community of two years. A lifetime non-harassment order was also imposed.
RNZ News
29-05-2025
- General
- RNZ News
Norfolk Island police say nothing untoward suspected after package washes ashore
A package with barnacles growing on it, believed to hold about 40 kilograms worth of cocaine, has washed up on a Norfolk Island beach Photo: Supplied Norfolk Island locals are shocked after a 40-kilogram package - believed to contain cocaine - washed up on one of their beaches. It was found by tourists on Tuesday afternoon at Anson Bay. Sergeant Mark Watson, the officer in charge of Norfolk Island Police Force, said the barnacle-covered package has generated quite a bit of community interest. "It appeared to contain smaller packages - so about 40 packages inside, which we believe to be cocaine and we believe it's about 40 kilograms' worth," he said. Norfolk is home to just over 2000 people, sitting between New Zealand and Australia in the South Pacific. Watson had been living on the island for years and said it's the first time he had seen anything like this. "We believe it's washed up. We don't believe there's anything untoward from Norfolk Island but investigations are continuing." He said he hadn't heard of Norfolk being used to traffic drugs to Australia. Local resident Rael Donde was just as surprised. "As far as I'm aware this has never happened before, so we're pretty shocked about this," he said. Like Sergeant Watson, she did not think Norfolk is being used as a drug transit point. "There's barnacles growing on the netting around the drugs so it seems like this was a random situation - it just happened to wash up on Norfolk Island as opposed to Australia or the New Zealand mainland." Another local, Brett Sanderson said the community is shocked. "This is stuff you see on TV that happens somewhere else, or you know maybe there's a drug bust in Australia's waters, a trawler or something is intercepted, but it always happens somewhere else." He also doesn't think the island is being used for transhipping drugs. "We're eight by five kilometres, so there are not a lot of secrets here." Sanderson, who owns a jewellery store on the island, said he first heard of the possibility of drugs on the island through tourists who visited his shop. "When these things happen, you're never quite sure whether it's just some crazy rumour that's spreading the island like Chinese whispers, or whether it's actually true." A spokesperson for the Australian Federal Police said investigations into the source of the drugs are continuing, including liaising with international partners. The Norfolk Island Police Force are asking the community to report any further sightings of suspicious packages but not to handle them.
