Latest news with #Uncle
BBC News
2 days ago
- BBC News
Bradford mum jailed for using children to smuggle cocaine
A mother from Bradford who used her children to smuggle £14.4m worth of cocaine into the UK from Mexico has been Kauser, 54, of Waterlily Road in Manningham, was jailed for 13 years and four months at Birmingham Crown Court on Friday, after admitting importing 180kg of cocaine in was arrested while collecting her four sons, daughter and daughter-in-law from Birmingham Airport on 11 November 2024 as they returned from Cancun with suitcases loaded full of Mackenzie, National Crime Agency (NCA) senior investigating officer, said Kauser was "very well practised in her life as a high-end cocaine trafficker". He said: "To her friends and people who thought they knew her, Farzana Kauser was a thoughtful, loving mum who seemed very normal."She took great pains to delete any trail of evidence."She pushed her children into huge danger and has allowed their futures to be effectively destroyed."He added her youngest son was aged just 17 when he was "encouraged to play a major role in couriering drugs into the country". Kauser had worked with an unidentified accomplice in Pakistan, who was known as "Uncle", to help with the smuggling of cocaine from Cancun to the claimed she was only there to collect her children when they arrived at the airport with 180kg of cocaine that had a street value of around £ of the drugs were due to be handed over to a courier, while the rest were set to be taken back to Kauser's home and moved on from NCA also discovered that it had been the fifth time the group had couriered cocaine into Birmingham Airport between August and November 2024. They had booked short one or two-night trips to Amsterdam or Dublin and travelled without any luggage, but then timed their return flights to Birmingham at the same time as arrivals from Cancun – where there was an insider bringing suitcases full of group then headed to the Cancun baggage carousel after landing to collect the suitcases and the family would then walk through customs as though returning with their own four eldest children admitted their roles in the conspiracy, while her youngest son and daughter-in-law pleaded guilty to participating in the activities of an organised crime Mohammed, 22, of Waterlily Road, Bradford, was jailed for eight years and one monthJunaid Shaffaq, 33, of Waterlily Road, Bradford, was jailed for 10 years and nine monthsMohammed Shaffaq, 28, of Waterlily Road, Bradford, was jailed for eight years and nine monthsSafa Noor, 20, of Waterlily Road, Bradford, was jailed for seven years and two monthsSarah Hussain, 28, of Hollybank Road, Bradford, was given a two-year suspended sentenceHamza Shaffaq, 18, of Waterlily Road, Bradford, will be sentenced on 7 October. Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.
Dublin Live
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Dublin Live
Man orders pint of Estrella in Benidorm and says price could be 'world's cheapest'
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info A British expat reckons he may have discovered the "world's cheapest pint" in Benidorm, Spain. Louis Grier, who resides in the municipality in Alicante, is accustomed to reasonably priced pints. He purchased a beer for less than a Euro at Uncle Ron's a fortnight ago, but has now uncovered an even more budget-friendly alternative. The 32-year-old, who boasts 42,800 followers, documented his experience on social media platform TikTok following a visit to 4 JKS. In his brief video, he requested an Estrella Damm for merely 50 cents. And it's not a one off either – as people have been travelling from far and wide to make the most of the deal. Louis came up with the idea to offer the "cheapest pints on the planet" alongside the establishment's proprietors, Brett and Andrea. They agreed to sell the beer for 50 cents as part of a four-day weekly special offer. However, despite the bargain price point, the trio maintain it's "not a cheap beer" since the quality remains excellent. Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now Louis says the pint has already achieved "a local legend" status – with the boozer owners even permitting him to step behind the bar to serve one himself. He remarked: "People are coming from everywhere to meet up and try it with me. They're calling it the 'Fanatic Pint'. It's the cheapest in Spain, maybe even the world." The beverage has proved so sought-after that Benidorm holidaymakers are reportedly prepared to "queue for the opportunity" to sample one. Part of the appeal involves joining the queue alongside fellow tourists and locals who relish having a laugh over a pint of beer! Louis declared: "It's not just about the pint; it's about the people, the laughter, and keeping Benidorm fun and affordable. This is my second home. Actually, scratch that; this is my real home." (Image: Jam Press/@thebenidormfanatic) Bar proprietors Brett and Andrea commented: "It's about bringing people together and giving people in Benidorm what they want. "We're not pursuing five-star reviews. We are here for good times, reasonable prices, and a bit of madness. That is what Benidorm is all about." It may not be the cheapest beer you can find on the planet, but you'd definitely struggle to find prices like that in Dublin! Central Statistics Office figures from 2024 show that the average price of lager in Dublin is €6.01, which is much more steep than you'll find in Benidorm. Meanwhile, the typical price of a pint of stouts like Guinness is €5.77, while cider will cost around €6.27 on average.
Daily Mirror
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Man orders pint in Benidorm and says price could be 'world's cheapest'
A British expat showed how affordable pints of beer can be in Benidorm – especially when you know where to look. One particular location is selling Estrella for a matter of pennies A British expat believes he could have found the "world's cheapest pint" in Benidorm. Louis Grier, who lives in the municipality in Alicante, is used to pints being affordable. He grabbed a beer for 85p at Uncle Ron's a fortnight ago, but has now found an option that's even cheaper. The 32-year-old, who has 42,800 followers, shared his experience on social media platform TikTok after visiting 4 JKS. In his short clip, he ordered an Estrella Damm for just 50 cents – equivalent to around 43p. And people have been travelling from far and wide to get the deal themselves. Louis dreamt up the idea of serving the 'cheapest pints on the planet' with the bar's owners, Brett and Andrea. They agreed to flog the beer less than £1 for a four-day-a-week promotion. But despite the "cheap" price tag, the trio insist it's "not a cheap beer" as the taste is still great. Louis claims the pint has already become 'a local legend' – and the owners even let him hop behind the bar to pour one. He said: 'People are coming from everywhere to meet up and try it with me. They're calling it the 'Fanatic Pint'. It's the cheapest in Spain, maybe even the world.' The tipple is so popular that Benidorm holidaymakers are apparently willing to "queue for the opportunity" to get one. And part of the fun is getting in line with fellow tourists and locals who love to have some fun over a pint of beer! Louis said: "It's not just about the pint; it's about the people, the laughter, and keeping Benidorm fun and affordable. This is my second home. Actually, scratch that; this is my real home.' Owners of the bar, Brett and Andrea, added: "It's about bringing people together and giving people in Benidorm what they want. "We're not pursuing five-star reviews. We are here for good times, reasonable prices, and a bit of madness. That is what Benidorm is all about." While Louis may think he's found the cheapest pint in the world, you can get beer even cheaper elsewhere. Researchers at Bountii - a price search engine - looked at the average pint prices in countries across the world. Apparently, you can enjoy the amber nectar without breaking the bank in these countries... Cheapest places in the world to get a pint, on average Nigeria - 20p Belarus - 75p China - 76p Vietnam - 79p Ukraine - 81p Uzbekistan - 82p Philippines - 99p Columbia - £1 Azerbaijan - £1.01 Kazakhstan - £1.05
Daily Mirror
19-06-2025
- Daily Mirror
Inside dark and twisted life of perverted PhD student jailed for raping 10 women
Chinese PhD student Zhenhao Zou, 28, has been jailed for life with a minimum term of 22 years for the rape of 10 women in London and China A Chinese PhD student who drugged and raped 10 women in London and China has been jailed for life with a minimum term of 22 years. Zhenhao Zou, 28, kept a trophy box of women's belongings and filmed nine of the rapes on women as they lost consciousness. Judge Rosina Cottage, sentencing Zou to 22 years and 227 days at Inner London Crown Court on Thursday, said the defendant is a "very bright young man" who used a manipulative "charming mask" to hide that he is a "sexual predator". She said that Zou "planned and executed a campaign of rape", treating the women "callously" and as 'sex toys' for his own pleasure, which had 'devastating and long-term effects'. Zou is reported to come from a wealthy and well-connected family. His mother works as a teacher, while his father is employed by a state-owned enterprise. It has been suggested that Zou's parents financed his stay in the UK, though witnesses say he earned some pocket money by trading luxury goods. READ MORE: Chinese PhD student's sick trophies after raping 10 women - including polar bear sock and hair His family owns multiple properties, including a detached house in Dongguan, a city in Guangdong province. Zou, who used the name 'Pakho' on social media, stayed there during extended visits to China. When police raided his London residence in January of last year, his affluent lifestyle was immediately evident. Officers discovered a green Rolex Submariner and other high-end watches, along with at least 70 bottles of alcohol concealed behind a curtain in the living room. Zou lived in an apartment building managed by the company Uncle, promoted as "a work of art" and London's tallest residential tower. Residents have access to a rooftop terrace that the company claims would "make the Shard jealous". Detective Chief Inspector Richard Mackenzie, who led the Metropolitan Police investigation, described the scene, saying: "We found expensive jewellery and multiple shopping bags from luxury brands. Inside his wardrobe were designer clothes from Louis Vuitton, Moncler, and Burberry — many still with tags. For a student, this was unusual." Beyond the luxury items, the police uncovered more disturbing evidence. In his wardrobe, a box contained personal items such as a key, earrings, a black dress, and hairbands — described by police as a "trophy box" of belongings taken from his victims of sexual assault. Investigators also found components of a rape kit: a graduated dropper pipette and a hidden camera used to record Zou engaging in sexual acts with as many as five women per month. Zou told the jury that he habitually recorded consensual sexual encounters and denied any non-consensual activity. Numerous condoms were found hidden in bedside drawers, alongside a Louis Vuitton box containing Viagra pills in a designer pouch. Police also seized bags of white powders and two 500ml brown bottles labelled "1,4-Butanediol" — a colourless liquid precursor to GHB, a drug known for its sedative effects on the nervous system. Even small amounts of GHB can be lethal. Classified as a Class B drug, GHB is commonly referred to as "liquid ecstasy" and is known to induce euphoria and relaxation. Among the seized drugs were dozens of Xanax tablets in blister packs. Zou explained he had suffered from insomnia since attending boarding school in China and obtained the prescription tranquillizer, typically used for anxiety disorders, from a drug dealer he met at a party. "I took it when I couldn't sleep or was anxious," he said, denying giving the drug to anyone else. Zou said he first tried GHB, which he called "e-liquid," after moving to London in 2019. Prior to that, he had completed a two-year mechanical engineering degree at Queen's University Belfast as an exchange student from Guangdong University of Technology, his home institution. Frequenting some of London's largest nightclubs, Zou began using cocaine and ketamine and later experimented with GHB. "I used it at nightclubs to get high," he stated. "It was much cheaper to buy online — the nightclub prices were significantly higher." He purchased the drug used for drug-facilitated sexual assault from TaoBao, a Chinese online shopping platform similar to Amazon which also sells luxury and virtual goods for video games. When police found the unopened bottles of butanediol, Zou panicked and claimed they were face moisturiser. The court heard he had undergone multiple cosmetic procedures in both London and China, including a hair transplant, eyelid surgeries, fat injections under his chin, dental adjustments, and that he wore makeup to improve his appearance. "I didn't tell the police because I didn't want to be labelled a drug user,' Zou said. However, evidence showed Zou had accessed Potato, an encrypted messaging app, to find instructions on drugging and sexually assaulting women. Cached images from his phone included disturbing photos of naked Chinese women wearing face masks, unconscious on a bed. These posts advertised drugs like midazolam and sevoflurane, both used as general anaesthetics. One listing offered a substance described as "obedient liquid," with Mandarin captions promising "guaranteed effects." Zou, who was found guilty of sexually assaulting 10 women on March 5, was sentenced today. He will spend 22 years and 227 days in prison before he could leave on parole, taking the number of days he has already spent in prison into account - meaning the 28-year-old cannot be released from jail before 2048. Judge Rosina Cottage today told him he was a "sexual predator", adding: "These women you treated callously and used them as sex toys for your pleasure." If you have been affected by anything in this story or need support after rape or sexual assault, call the Rape Crisis helpline on 0808 500 2222
Hindustan Times
16-06-2025
- General
- Hindustan Times
Growing old is inevitable, growing tired of life isn't
As aisles of gift shops were flooded with Father's Day cards last week, I found myself thinking of Nachattar Uncle — the man we lovingly called 'Caretaker Uncle'. The name wasn't just a label; it was a testament to the quiet way he held a space in our lives and in our home. When my father was transferred to another city, he worried the house would grow cold, forgotten. Nachattar Uncle promised he would keep it alive. Each morning, he'd unlock the door, call the maid and the helper, and sip his tea in my father's study, a book resting in his hands. He tended to the mail, answered the phone, and greeted anyone who dropped by with his warm smile. In the evening, he would call my father to share how the day had gone, and then gently close the house again — never hurried, never distracted. My father and he shared a deep belief: A house should never feel abandoned. 'Home is heart,' they would say. And so, in our absence, he cared for the heart we had left behind. When his wife passed away and the walls of his own home grew quiet and still, without complaint or sorrow, he moved into an old age home — not because he was broken, but because he understood a profound truth we often forget: Clinging to emptiness is not the same as truly living. I remember visiting him one cold winter afternoon. My mother had received a call — not for help, not for money, but a simple, gentle request: 'Send me some saag.' That was Uncle, never asking for more than he needed, yet filling every small moment with meaning. He greeted me in his usual style — crisp white shirt, perfectly ironed trousers, silver hair combed neatly, and always wearing a watch. As we sat together on the bench outside the old age home, I found the courage to ask the question weighing on my heart. 'Are you happy here, Uncle?' 'I am content,' he said, without hesitation. 'I've lived life on my own terms. I have no complaints.' There was peace in his voice — a peace that only comes to those who have truly lived, not just existed or endured. Even at 97, long past the age when most surrender to stillness, he remained in motion, riding his old bicycle from place to place, a quiet messenger of communal harmony. Where others saw division, he wove threads of unity. Where others grew weary, he pedalled on. Even in those later years, he was a voracious reader. Every visit, he had a list of books waiting for me to find. Then came the cancer diagnosis that devastated my father as in Nachattar Uncle, he'd quietly found the father he lost too soon. Watching them move from hospital to hospital felt like witnessing one heartbreak lean on another. I remember my last evening with Uncle. His eyes were tired, but still held a flicker of fire. Softly, he said, 'I don't want to die. There are so many things to do.' I asked, 'What things, Uncle?' 'I haven't read that book on the Industrial Revolution. I'm still waiting for it,' he said. I didn't know whether to laugh or cry. A tear escaped before I could decide. So this Father's Day, I didn't reach for a card. I reached out for a book to remember the man who showed me that while growing old is inevitable, growing tired of life never has to be. The writer is a Hoshiarpur-based freelance contributor
