Latest news with #Romanian
Express Tribune
6 hours ago
- Express Tribune
Int'l Day of the Romanian Blouse commemorated
Attendees don the culturally-prized, traditional Romanian blouse called ie on the International Day of the Romanian Blouse which was celebrated at the Embassy in Islamabad as an ode to the country's rich heritage and history. PHOTO: EXPRESS The Embassy of Romania in Islamabad organised, for the first time in Pakistan, the celebration of the International Day of the Romanian Blouse on June 24, bringing together members of the Romanian community, representatives of the diplomatic corps and distinguished Pakistani guests. Held in the spirit of cultural appreciation and friendship, the event highlighted the timeless beauty of the Romanian traditional blouse, known as the ie, a symbol of national identity and artistic heritage. Guests were invited to wear traditional blouses and garments not only from Romania but from various cultures around the world, underlining the universal power of folk art to connect people beyond borders. The celebration included an exhibition of authentic Romanian blouses, many handmade and passed down through generations, as well as traditional music and culinary delights. Attendees had the opportunity to taste Romanian dishes and drinks, experiencing the richness of Romania's rural traditions and hospitality. In his welcoming remarks, Ambassador Dan Stoenescu emphasised, "The Romanian blouse is more than a piece of clothing. It is a cultural treasure, a bridge between past and present and a celebration of women's creativity and resilience. By sharing this tradition in Islamabad, we celebrate both our identity and our friendship with the people of Pakistan and the international community." The International Day of the Romanian Blouse, marked each year on 24 June, coincides with Sânziene, a midsummer Romanian folk celebration with deep roots in pre-Christian traditions. Initiated by the cultural movement La Blouse Roumaine, this day has grown into a global celebration of Romanian heritage, with events held in cities across Europe, the Americas and Asia. The Embassy's event in Islamabad adds Pakistan to the growing list of countries where the Romanian ie is honoured, strengthening the cultural ties and mutual understanding between Romania and its partners worldwide.
Daily Mirror
7 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Brit boy, 6, 'detained on holiday island over £1.6m drug smuggling plot'
The six-year-old boy was reportedly detained along with his mum and five other British nationals at an airport in Mauritius over an alleged drug smuggling plot A six-year-old boy was among six British nationals detained abroad in a huge £1.6million drug-smuggling bust, according to reports. The group were stopped last Sunday at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport (MRU), the main international airport in Mauritius, where customs officials allegedly discovered 161kg of cannabis hidden inside their suitcases. The total haul reportedly included 24 packages stashed in the youngster's bag, weighing 14kg. The boy's 35-year-old mum was meanwhile said to be carrying 29 packages, and her Romanian partner another 32 packages. Local officials are said to have estimated the total amount would be equivalent to £1.6million on the local drugs market. Five British women and one man, one Romanian, and a child were all reportedly detained at the scene, with the adults later appearing at a court in Mahebourg to be provisionally charged with drug offences. The adults remain in detention after police requested for them not to be given conditional release, according to Mauritian newspaper Defi Media. Authorities contacted the British High Commission regarding the child's welfare after taking in him and his mother. Reports back in the UK said the boy was flown home on Wednesday, with his dad coming to the airport to collect him. His age has been reported as either six or seven years old. The Mirror has approached the Foreign Office for comment. A spokesperson told The Sun: "We are supporting several British nationals who are detained in Mauritius and are in contact with the local authorities." Customs officers and police are said to have kept a keen eye on the group of passengers from the moment they disembarked from British Airways flight BA 2065 on Sunday, which had arrived from London Gatwick Airport. Multiple police bloodhounds had been stationed in the airport that day as part of an anti-trafficking operation. After being stopped, all of the group's checked baggage, including the child's, was examined with an X-ray scanner, allegedly revealing the presence of the drugs. Authorities in Mauritius described the use of a child for drug trafficking as "inhumane". They added that Apple AirTags were said to have been found with the parcels of drugs, suggesting an organised smuggling operation.
Telegraph
9 hours ago
- Telegraph
British six-year-old detained ‘for smuggling drugs into Mauritius'
A six-year-old British boy was detained in Mauritius after customs officials found 14 kilograms of cannabis hidden inside his suitcase. The child was stopped at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam airport alongside seven other people as they disembarked from a British Airways flight from Gatwick on Sunday, local media reported. The group was reportedly carrying more than 161 kilograms (355 pounds) of cannabis hidden in their luggage, with the stash valued at £1.6 million. Seven of the suspects were British, including the boy whose luggage reportedly contained 24 packages of drugs wrapped in clear cellophane. The eighth suspect was reported to be a Romanian living in Britain. Mauritian authorities described the use of the child's luggage to transport the drugs as 'outrageous and inhumane', adding 'this is one of the most revolting cases we have encountered in recent years'. Flown back to UK The boy, who was unaware of the contents of his bag, was reportedly flown back to the UK on Wednesday and is staying with his father. The suspects each carried Apple AirTags, which can be fixed to an item to track its location via an app, and up to £900 in cash. Apple trackers are thought to be used by international drug trafficking gangs to help smugglers keep tabs on their shipments. The authorities are reportedly treating the group as part of an organised crime network responsible for smuggling drugs from Europe to Mauritius. Le Mauricien, a local media outlet, reported that seven suspects were charged with drug trafficking and placed in custody. The adult suspects appeared at Mahebourg court on the island's south-eastern coast on Monday, with all remaining in pre-trial detention. Raids on hotels Authorities then carried out a series of targeted raids on hotels containing British nationals after police received a lead that more foreign passengers may have been transporting drugs, local media said. No further suspects were arrested at any of the three locations searched. A Foreign Office spokesman told The Sun newspaper: 'We are supporting several British nationals who are detained in Mauritius and are in contact with the local authorities.'
Yahoo
9 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Report – Stuttgart Thinking Of Hijacking Inter Milan Deal For France U21 Star At Last Minute
Report – Stuttgart Thinking Of Hijacking Inter Milan Deal For France U21 Star At Last Minute Stuttgart are thinking of hijacking Inter Milan's deal for Parma striker Ange-Yoan Bonny at the last minute. This according to Italian broadcaster Sky Sport Italia, via FCInterNews. They report that the Nerazzurri have not yet finalized their agreement with the Frenchman. Advertisement Inter Milan have been chasing French striker Ange-Yoan Bonny since the start of the summer transfer window. Reportedly, the 21-year-old is one of the Nerazzurri's main targets in attack. That has particularly been the case since Cristian Chivu became Inter coach. The Romanian replaced Simone Inzaghi after the latter departed to earn big money at Al-Hilal. And Chivu has also worked successfully with Bonny at Parma. Report – Stuttgart Think of Hijacking Inter Milan Deal For Ange-Yoan Bonny PARMA, ITALY – OCTOBER 27: Ange-Yoan Bonny of Parma calcio during the Serie A match between Parma and Empoli at Stadio Ennio Tardini on October 27, 2024 in Parma, Italy. (Photo by) Recent reports suggest that Inter Milan and Parma are right on the verge of an agreement for the transfer of Ange-Yoan Bonny. Advertisement However, the two clubs are not quite all the way there yet. Moreover, according to Sky Sport Italia, there is also not yet a full agreement between Inter and Bonny. The broadcaster anticipate that Bundesliga club Stuttgart could try to swoop in. Particularly in the event that Stuttgart are to lose Nick Woltemade, Sky report, Stuttgart could aim to hijack Inter's deal and sign Ange-Yoan Bonny as a replacement for the German.
Scottish Sun
12 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Brit boy, 6, arrested in £1.6m smuggling plot after 14kgs of drugs found stuffed in his case when he landed in Mauritius
The boy was part of a group which had flown to the African island from Gatwick BOY 'SMUGGLER' Brit boy, 6, arrested in £1.6m smuggling plot after 14kgs of drugs found stuffed in his case when he landed in Mauritius A SIX-year-old British boy was arrested in Mauritius suspected of smuggling part of a £1.6million dope haul stuffed inside his wheelie case. The lad was picked up by customs officials along with his mum and five other Brits as they arrived on the tropical island on Sunday. Advertisement 6 The boy has since gone home to his family after the ordeal 6 Shannon Holness at court after allegedly being involved in the plot Credit: 6 Shona Campbell arrives at court Credit: 6 Mauritius is an island in the Indian Ocean Credit: Alamy Suspicious customs officials swooped at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Airport and found a whopping 161 kilos of cannabis stuffed into several suitcases belonging to the group, including 14 kilos hidden inside the child's bag. The boy's mum was also arrested and had 17 kilos hidden in her own bags. The other Brits arrested included Laura Kappen, 28, a bar worker from Orton Goldhay, Cambs, Shannon Holness, 29, a caterer, from Bretton, Cambs, Shona Campbell, 33, a cleaner from Standground, Cambs, Lily Watson, a caterer from Peterborough, Cambs, and window fitter Patrick Wilsdon, 21, also from Peterborough. Romanian national, Florian Lisman, 38, a machine operator living in Huntingdon, was also arrested. Advertisement Authorities on Mauritius branded the use of a child in the audacious drug smuggling plot as 'inhumane". On Wednesday the boy, who had no clue of the drugs in his bag, was flown back to the UK with his dad who came to collect him. Eleven numbered Apple AirTags found with the massive drugs haul, suggest the group was likely part of an organised crime network responsible for transporting drugs from Europe to Mauritius. The drugs cache was found during a joint operation by the Customs Anti-Narcotics Section (CANS) and the Anti-Drug & Smuggling Unit (ADSU) at the airport. Advertisement The group had flown into Mauritius on a British Airways flight from London Gatwick last Sunday. The accused appeared in court in Mahébourg on June 23 and seven remain in custody. Drugs kingpins guilty of plotting murder and running drugs empire on EncroChat A Foreign Office spokesperson said: 'We are supporting several British nationals who are detained in Mauritius and are in contact with the local authorities.' Accused Patrick's shocked mother Carly Wilsdon said her son had just started work as a window fitter in Peterborough and had gone to Mauritius after being offered a 'free holiday'. Advertisement It was only the second time he had been abroad in his life. She said: 'He was told it was a free holiday. He wouldn't have known what he was doing because he wouldn't get involved in drugs. 6 Shannon Holness, a caterer, was arrested at the airport Credit: Facebook 6 Mauritius is known as a holiday island with beautiful beaches Credit: Alamy Advertisement 'The person who told them about this free holiday is one of his circle of friends but now he has disappeared. 'He told them that he had been before and that they would meet someone there. There was no mention of drugs. 'It is so hard. He could be looking at 30 years. He has never been in trouble and only been abroad once before. 'I missed a call from him on the day they arrived. I thought it was to show me the apartment. I can't believe what's happened.' Advertisement She added: 'We've had no contact with him. He's got lots of issues, he's vulnerable. 'He doesn't know any of the group. He just went there with his girlfriend Lily Watson.' Speaking outside her home on the outskirts of Peterborough, a relative of Laura Kappen said: 'She is not a bad kid. She's never done anything wrong in her life but I guess she has done something foolish. Someone must have enticed them with money.' A relative of Shona Campbell said: 'It is really difficult. She's got two little kids and they don't know. It's horrible.' Advertisement Spate of Brit drug arrests worldwide A SLEW of drug mule cases invovling Brits have emerged in the last few weeks In April-May, Two other Brit women were arrested abroad for alleged drug smuggling. Glam tourist Bella Culley allegedly tried to smuggle a suitcase of weed into Georgia and was locked away in a brutal ex-Soviet prison despite claiming to be pregnant. The 18-year-old was sent to the brutal Women's Penitentiary No. 5 in the town of Rustavi - a slammer notorious for its hellish conditions just outside Tbilisi. She had originally jetted to the Philippines to meet an old friend, but reportedly changed her plans last minute to go to Thailand with a gang of British lads unknown to her. A sentence ranging from 20 years to life could be a possibility for teen Bella from County Durham, according to prosecutors. Meanwhile, former air stewardess Charlotte May Lee was then caught allegedly trying to smuggle drugs worth £1.2million into Sri Lanka. Her two suitcases were said to have been stuffed with 46kg of a synthetic cannabis strain known as kush — which is 25 times more potent than opioid fentanyl. If found guilty, South Londoner Charlotte could face a 25-year sentence. Meanwhile, a young mum is being detained in Germany for allegedly smuggling cannabis in her bags on a flight from Thailand - in yet another shocking case. Glamorous Cameron Bradford, 21, from Knebworth, Herts, was detained at Munich Airport on April 21 as she tried to collect her luggage. It comes as a Brit couple claiming to be tourists from Thailand have been busted with more than 33kg of cannabis in their suitcases at a Spanish airport. The pair were picked out by suspicious cops at Valencia Airport after displaying a 'nervous and evasive attitude' and are now behind bars on drug trafficking charges. Experts told The Sun how wannabe Brit Insta stars are being lured by cruel gangs into carting drugs across the world. The drugs bust comes amid a spate of British drug mule arrests in recent months. Brit Lee Adams, who went missing on Mauritius, was arrested on May 24 on suspicion of smuggling £110,000 worth of cannabis into the East African nation. Lee, 40, from Yardley, Birmingham, was intercepted as he arrived at the airport and customs officers found 5.75 kilos of cannabis concealed in his suitcase. According to local news reports Adams, who was confronted with the evidence during an interrogation, admitted his role and was arrested on the spot. Advertisement Investigators immediately launched a "controlled delivery" operation on the holiday island and two suspected accomplices, both believed to be British, were also arrested. An investigation has been launched and the trio remain in custody.
