Latest news with #RoyalMail
BBC News
5 hours ago
- General
- BBC News
Cannabis worth millions disguised as Yankee Candles
Millions of pounds worth of drugs, labelled as "Yankee Candles", were posted from America to bogus addresses in south Wales, a court heard. Four men have gone on trial charged with smuggling more than 300kg (661lb) of cannabis from the US into the UK using the postal Hussain, 28, Abu Hussain 28, Sean Montgomery, 24 and Steven Munroe 44, all from Cardiff, deny conspiracy to import class B operation by police started after a postal worker reported suspicious activity and more than 20 uncollected parcels were seized at a sorting office. Jurors at Newport Crown Court on Wednesday were told the packages that arrived in Barry, Vale of Glamorgan, were posted from California and New Roger Griffiths previously told the court this was, "drug dealing on an industrial scale".On Wednesday, the court heard from Royal Mail employee Robert Sennett, who said defendant Sean Montgomery arrived at the Barry depot to pick up three parcels, saying they were, "presents, gifts from family".But Mr Sennett said the parcels were earmarked for an address that "didn't exist", and did not hand over the parcels.M Griffiths said the police were called because, "similar packages had arrived from the United States" that were believed to be "suspicious".Jurors were told CCTV showed Mr Montgomery at the Barry Con Sean Meyrick, the main investigator in the case, told the court he believed Mr Montgomery went there because he was, "directed to collect parcels from America".The court was told police officer Patrick Levy went to the Royal Mail depot in Barry to view the suspicious said there were 14 packages, "with Yankee Candles inside", but he was told "they were too light to be candles" and the addresses did not match the said, "they were from California and New York" and that one package contained a long white box, and another, a brown officer said when he looked inside one box there was a "vacuum sealed package" that people used to "transport cannabis". Jurors were told Mr Montgomery was arrested and police recovered his Snapchat Con Meyrick said a video was recovered showing a large quantity of cannabis on the lap of someone with tattoos matching Mr Montgomery's said: "I've been a police officer for 20 years and in my experience the amount of cannabis on his lap is consistent with a kilo of cannabis."However, under cross examination he said he could not be sure the cannabis in the picture was linked to the conspiracy Mr Montgomery was charged Con Meyrick said there were messages from an unidentified person suggesting they should pay a postal worker £5,000 to recover the cannabis from the Barry message referred to "60 bags L", which Det Con Meyrick said meant the organised crime group stood to lose £60,000 of Hussain was arrested at his home in Ninian Park Road in Cardiff where police found a packet of cannabis, money and a phone, and empty cannabis packages in a car, which had previously been identified by a postal Hussain and Abu Hussain pleaded guilty to supplying a controlled class B drug but deny conspiracy to import class B Montgomery and Steven Munroe denied both case continues.
Yahoo
18 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Ex-Tory minister to advise Royal Mail's billionaire Czech owner
The Czech billionaire who has taken over Royal Mail has hired a former Conservative minister to advise him on his business interests. Greg Hands, who served as trade minister before losing his seat in last summer's election, will take up the role of special adviser to Daniel Kretinsky. Mr Kretinsky's EP Group said Mr Hands would provide strategic counsel focused on regulatory and market developments in the UK and Germany. It said the appointment would help the company to 'expand its portfolio across both countries, aligning with the company's commitment to secure and sustainable energy solutions'. It comes just weeks after Mr Kretinsky secured his £3.6bn takeover of Royal Mail in a deal that resulted in the postal service falling into foreign ownership for the first time in its 500-year history. In addition to Royal Mail, EP UK owns a number of energy assets in the UK, including a gas-fired power plant in Stallingborough and the South Humber Bank station, both in Lincolnshire. EP has enjoyed surging profits in recent years thanks to market turmoil sparked by Russia's invasion of Ukraine. It is also one of a handful of energy companies to have cashed in millions of pounds when Britain's wind farms are turned off because of congestion on the grid. Mr Kretinsky said: 'We are delighted to welcome Greg Hands to EP Group. His deep understanding of the UK and German business and energy landscapes, coupled with his extensive experience in government and international trade, will be invaluable as we navigate the evolving sectors in these key markets. 'Greg has unique capabilities for the job, including fluency in German and good Czech, and understands many of our markets very well.' Mr Hands said: 'I have known Daniel Kretinsky for a long time, and I know that EP Group has a strong track record in energy and infrastructure. 'I look forward to contributing to its continued growth and commitment to energy security and sustainable energy solutions in these regions.' While Mr Hands's role appears to be focused on Mr Kretinsky's energy assets, the appointment comes at a time when much of the billionaire's focus is likely to be on Royal Mail. He has outlined plans to invest heavily in parcels as he attempts to transform Royal Mail into a modern logistics giant. But he will also be required to navigate discussions with ministers and regulators over the future of Royal Mail's universal service obligations, which require it to deliver six days a week at a uniform price. Bosses have argued that stringent rules have left the company financially unsustainable amid a sharp decline in letter sending. Last month Ofcom said Royal Mail had missed its delivery targets in the latest financial year, raising the prospect of a potential fine for the third year running. The regulator is planning to allow Royal Mail to end second-class mail deliveries on alternate days and Saturdays and to water down its delivery targets. However, the company is still disputing so-called 'tail of the mail' back-up targets, which it argues will add 'significant' costs and further push up prices. Mr Kretinsky, who also owns a major stake in Dutch postal service PostNL, has already made a number of legally binding commitments – including maintaining Saturday deliveries for first-class letters, protecting the Royal Mail brand and keeping the company's headquarters and tax base in the UK – to help ease concerns about the deal. International Distribution Services (IDS), Royal Mail's parent company, on Monday confirmed its delisting from the London Stock Exchange and the resignation of a number of board members, including Keith Williams, the chairman. The Communication Workers Union, which represents postal employees, said the departures were 'welcome news' for staff across the UK. It said: 'Led by chairman Keith Williams, the previously senior leadership team have overseen the gross mismanagement of one of the UK's most important companies, they have destroyed the service provided to millions of customers and businesses and they have callously targeted their own workforce in the attempt to create a low wage, gig economy-style employer. 'Keith Williams and many of his colleagues represent everything that is wrong with modern business leaders: paid and rewarded for failure whilst having zero vision.' Mr Williams has argued that EP Group's takeover offer was fair and that the commitments 'should ensure that IDS continues to deliver the key elements of the universal service in the UK and protect the interests of the workforce'. Martin Seidenberg, the IDS chief executive, and Michael Snape, the IDS chief financial officer, will continue in their respective roles and remain on the board. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
a day ago
- General
- Yahoo
Four accused of smuggling cannabis to UK in the post
Four men have gone on trial charged with smuggling more than 300kg of cannabis from the US into the UK using the postal service. Mohammed Hussain, 28, Abdu Husain 28, Sean Montgomery, 24 and Steven Munroe 44, all from Cardiff, are charged with conspiracy to import and supply controlled drugs. An operation by police started after a postal worker reported suspicious activity and more than 20 uncollected parcels were seized at a sorting office. The jury at Newport Crown court heard this was "drug dealing on an industrial scale". Prosecutor Roger Griffiths said "80 addresses across south Wales" were listed in the police operation. Mr Griffiths said: "Some of the addresses didn't exist but you can see the scale of the operation by the number of addresses." He said 329kg of cannabis worth millions was imported. Mr Griffiths told the jury how two defendants, Mohammed Hussain and Abdu Husain, were both involved in the "distribution and collection of cannabis and large sums of money". He said the pair was working for the leader of an organised crime gang. The jury heard both men would collect parcels from the addresses and take them to a "stash house" in Cardiff. Mr Griffiths said: "While the pair have pleaded guilty to the domestic distribution, we say they must have been involved in the importation of cannabis." Text messages asking about delivery were read to the court, which the prosecution say shows they were "participants in the importation of drugs." Sean Montgomery's involvement was on 26 October 2024 he went to the Royal Mail sorting office in Barry to collect three parcels. They weren't released because the address didn't exist, the sorting office reported them and they were seized by the police. By this stage there were 22 parcels at the sorting office to the address. Parcels with at least 85kg were intercepted by UK Border Force. The court heard Stephen Munroe's involvement was he allowed 23kg to be delivered to his house in Splott. The prosecution claim he "knew about the bigger operation and parcels coming in from America". The jury was told the police operation started in November 2022 after a postal worker was suspected and arrested for intercepting parcels on his rounds. When a new worker started on that round, he was "approached by an Asian man who asked if there was a parcel for 44 Kidwelly Grove", Mr Griffiths said. "When he found out about his former colleague and when the man approached him a second time asking for a parcel, he made a note of the car number plate and model and reported it to the police. "The car was registered to Mohammed Hussain." Police arrested Mr Hussain and inside the car found empty cannabis packets and other drug paraphernalia. His phone was also seized, which Mr Griffiths said "revealed his extensive involvement in the distribution of cannabis". The "stash house" on Ninian Road was raided and 58 parcel wrappings were discovered and 1kg of cannabis. The men were all arrested in December 2024. Mr Munroe told officers he had accepted £50 to take delivery of a parcel but he didn't know about the parcels intercepted by UK Border Force. The court heard Mr Montgomery told the police he had only gone to the sorting office after a friend called him and asked because he was in Barry. The other two men exercised their right to silence. Mohammed Hussain and Abdu Husain have pleaded guilty to supply a controlled class B drug but deny conspiracy to import class B drugs. Sean Montgomery and Steven Munroe deny both charges.
Scotsman
a day ago
- Business
- Scotsman
Thames Water takeover M&S boss pay rise business video
From calls to overhaul the water industry and Thames Water's failed investor talks, to Greg Hands' new role at Royal Mail and a £7.1m payday for the M&S boss - here are today's top UK business stories. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Today's bulletin focuses partly on the water sector - because there are several big stories. Firstly - England and Wales' water industry needs a 'fundamental reset', according to a new report. The Independent Water Commission says failures across the industry are 'deep-rooted and systemic'. It's calling for a tougher, more hands-on approach from regulator Ofwat. Thames Water deal collapses and ex-UK trade minister Greg Hands joins Royal Mail: More Business in Brief Meanwhile, Thames Water says talks with investor KKR have collapsed, dealing a blow to its rescue plans. KKR had been the preferred partner in efforts to recapitalise the troubled utility. But it's now pulled out, meaning Thames Water will shift focus to a plan backed by senior creditors. Chairman Sir Adrian Montague says the company remains committed to finding a sustainable solution. The owner of South West Water has also said today rising bills will help fund £3.2 billion in upgrades. | Getty Images The owner of South West Water has also said today rising bills will help fund £3.2 billion in upgrades. Pennon Group posted a £72.7 million loss this year - much deeper than last year's £9.1 million. It blames record investment and efforts to cut customer water use. Average bills jumped 28 per cent in April, helping to cover a third of its long-term plans. In other news, Irish hotel group Dalata has received a potential €1.3 billion cash offer. The early-stage proposal comes from hotel property company Pandox and real estate specialist Eiendomsspar. They're offering €6.05 a share - a 27 per cent premium on Dalata's March price. Talks are under way, but there's no guarantee a formal bid will follow. Former UK trade minister Greg Hands has joined Royal Mail's new owner as a strategic adviser. The ex-Conservative MP will work full-time for Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky's EP Group. He'll focus on the UK and Germany as the company takes full control of Royal Mail. Finally - Marks & Spencer boss Stuart Machin has seen his pay rise to £7.1 million. The jump comes as he steers the retailer through a major cyber attack. His package includes £4.6 million in long-term bonuses he can't touch for two years. A strong year also earned him a £1.6 million performance bonus.
Scotsman
a day ago
- Business
- Scotsman
Thames Water takeover M&S boss pay rise business video
From calls to overhaul the water industry and Thames Water's failed investor talks, to Greg Hands' new role at Royal Mail and a £7.1m payday for the M&S boss - here are today's top UK business stories. Sign up to our Scotsman Money newsletter, covering all you need to know to help manage your money. Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Today's bulletin focuses partly on the water sector - because there are several big stories. Firstly - England and Wales' water industry needs a 'fundamental reset', according to a new report. The Independent Water Commission says failures across the industry are 'deep-rooted and systemic'. It's calling for a tougher, more hands-on approach from regulator Ofwat. Thames Water deal collapses and ex-UK trade minister Greg Hands joins Royal Mail: More Business in Brief Meanwhile, Thames Water says talks with investor KKR have collapsed, dealing a blow to its rescue plans. KKR had been the preferred partner in efforts to recapitalise the troubled utility. But it's now pulled out, meaning Thames Water will shift focus to a plan backed by senior creditors. Chairman Sir Adrian Montague says the company remains committed to finding a sustainable solution. The owner of South West Water has also said today rising bills will help fund £3.2 billion in upgrades. | Getty Images The owner of South West Water has also said today rising bills will help fund £3.2 billion in upgrades. Pennon Group posted a £72.7 million loss this year - much deeper than last year's £9.1 million. It blames record investment and efforts to cut customer water use. Average bills jumped 28 per cent in April, helping to cover a third of its long-term plans. In other news, Irish hotel group Dalata has received a potential €1.3 billion cash offer. The early-stage proposal comes from hotel property company Pandox and real estate specialist Eiendomsspar. They're offering €6.05 a share - a 27 per cent premium on Dalata's March price. Talks are under way, but there's no guarantee a formal bid will follow. Former UK trade minister Greg Hands has joined Royal Mail's new owner as a strategic adviser. The ex-Conservative MP will work full-time for Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky's EP Group. He'll focus on the UK and Germany as the company takes full control of Royal Mail.
