Police investigate after red kite found fatally poisoned in Co Down
Mr McDowell added: 'Our Operation Raptor, Peregrine Watch, is an initiative between the PAW Bird of Prey Sub Group and our Air Support Unit, working alongside local police officers, which uses drones to monitor and protect the nesting sites of birds of prey, and is a direct result of birds being targeted, just like in this case, with very serious and dangerous substances in a number of areas across Northern Ireland.
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Belfast Telegraph
20 hours ago
- Belfast Telegraph
‘Deeply troubling': Police investigation launched after red kite found fatally poisoned in Co Down
The legally protected bird of prey was discovered on land in the Tullymore Road area at the end of December. Subsequent testing confirmed the red kite had been killed using two highly toxic substances – the rodenticide Chloralose and the insecticide Bendiocarb – both of which pose serious risks to wildlife and humans. Red kites previously had vanished entirely from Northern Ireland due to illegal persecution 200 years ago, and were re-introduced in 2008. Superintendent Johnston McDowell, the Police Service of Northern Ireland's lead officer for Wildlife Crime and Animal Welfare, described the incident as 'deeply troubling'. 'These birds were reintroduced to Northern Ireland in 2008 after being extinct here for centuries,' he said. 'Tragically, this is not the first time we have had reports of this nature in the same area. Two ravens were also recently found dead, poisoned with similar chemicals, and it saddens me that these incredible birds are being intentionally killed.' Red kites and all birds of prey are protected under the Wildlife (Northern Ireland) Order 1985, as amended by the Wildlife and Natural Environment Act 2011. The discovery of yet another suspected case of targeted poisoning has prompted a joint response from multiple agencies. News Catch Up - June 25th 2025 PSNI officers, alongside the Northern Ireland Environment Agency, carried out a site visit and made enquiries with the technical support of the UK's National Wildlife Crime Unit. The force also works in partnership with the Health and Safety Executive and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) to investigate illegal use of banned or misused pesticides and poisons. Superintendent McDowell warned of the wider dangers posed by the toxic substances involved. 'The poisons used in these incidents are deadly not only to birds and wildlife, but also to humans,' he said. 'Anyone who finds a dead bird of prey, such as a red kite, and suspects it has been poisoned, shot or illegally trapped, should not touch it but contact police immediately.' He added that anyone found guilty of persecuting birds of prey could face fines of up to £5,000 per offence and custodial sentences. The Health and Safety Executive NI (HSENI), which enforces Biocidal Product Regulations in Northern Ireland, also warned that enforcement action would be taken against anyone misusing dangerous chemicals. 'Where duty-holders are found to have incorrectly used or have misused biocidal products or continue to use or store products that have been withdrawn from the market, HSENI will take appropriate enforcement action,' a spokesperson said. 'This highlights the importance of responsible use of all chemicals.' A spokesperson for DAERA added: 'The intentional poisoning of wildlife and birds is abhorrent. Supplying, storing or using a Plant Protection Product that has been banned is an offence. 'It is also an offence to use an authorised PPP in contravention of the conditions established by its authorisation and specified on the product label. If convicted, fines will apply.' As part of wider efforts to tackle such crimes, the PSNI has launched Operation Raptor – Peregrine Watch, a partnership initiative using drones to monitor bird of prey nesting sites in high-risk areas. 'Operation Raptor is a direct response to birds being targeted with very serious and dangerous substances,' Superintendent McDowell said. 'Alongside our partners, we will continue to investigate wildlife crime and bring offenders to justice.'
Evening Standard
20 hours ago
- Evening Standard
Police investigate after red kite found fatally poisoned in Co Down
Mr McDowell added: 'Our Operation Raptor, Peregrine Watch, is an initiative between the PAW Bird of Prey Sub Group and our Air Support Unit, working alongside local police officers, which uses drones to monitor and protect the nesting sites of birds of prey, and is a direct result of birds being targeted, just like in this case, with very serious and dangerous substances in a number of areas across Northern Ireland.
FF News
11-06-2025
- FF News
Binance Collaborated With U.S. and Taiwan Law Enforcement, Helping to Dismantle a Notorious Darknet Narcotics Marketplace 'Incognito Market'
Binance, the world's largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume and registered users, can now announce that it played a key role in assisting U.S. and Taiwanese law enforcement in an operation that led to the takedown of Incognito Market, one of the world's largest darknet drug marketplaces – which facilitated over USD $100 million (approximately NT$3 billion) in illegal drug sales. The U.S. Department of Justice recently announced the results of a record-breaking international operation targeting darknet activities and drug trafficking, codenamed 'Operation RapTor.' Among the key achievements highlighted in the operation was the takedown of 'Incognito Market.' Binance's Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) team provided critical intelligence that helped identify the suspect and trace illicit transactions. By freezing over USD $3.5 million (approximately NT$100 million) in crypto assets linked to the case, Binance significantly aided efforts to dismantle the transnational drug trafficking network. According to the U.S. Department of Justice and public records, Incognito Market allowed users to anonymously browse and purchase more than 1,000 types of illicit drugs – including heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine. To streamline these transactions, the marketplace even has its own 'banking' system mainly powered by cryptocurrencies. Despite efforts to avoid detection by installing multiple layers of firewalls, investigators successfully traced crypto wallets used in the platform's 'banking' system back to those controlled by its administrator. With substantial evidence, authorities identified the individual behind the site as a Taiwanese national surnamed Lin, known by the alias 'Pharaoh,' who profited millions by leading and supervising the platform's illegal operations. Lin was arrested last year and later pleaded guilty in the United States to three federal offenses: narcotics conspiracy, conspiracy to sell adulterated and misbranded medication and money laundering. 'This case is a powerful reminder that blockchain offers no safe haven for criminal activity,' said Nils Andersen-Röed, Global Head of Binance's Financial Intelligence Unit. 'Even with sophisticated privacy tools, every crypto transaction leaves a digital trail – which is increasingly vital in today's law enforcement investigations.' Andersen-Röed emphasized, 'Cross-border collaboration and public-private partnerships are no longer optional – they are essential. As crypto cases grow more complex, global cooperation is the solution to effective crime-fighting.' This announcement follows Binance's recent disclosure of its key role in supporting Europol's takedown of Kidflix, one of the world's largest child exploitation networks. Binance assisted in uncovering the platform's internal payment infrastructure and identifying over 100 users linked to the illicit operation. Together, these successful operations highlight Binance's ongoing commitment to security, transparency, and cooperation. They also reflect the company's growing capabilities and resources in supporting global financial crime investigations and protecting the integrity of the crypto ecosystem.
