Latest news with #Spice
Yahoo
11 hours ago
- Yahoo
Las Vegas police investigate drug link to gym shooting
LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — Metro police are investigating whether the synthetic drug Spice contributed to a gunman shooting and killing a gym employee last month. Metro police suspect Daniel Ortega, 34, intended to carry out a mass shooting at the Las Vegas Athletic Club on Rainbow Boulevard near Vegas Drive before his gun jammed. On Friday, May 16, Ortega killed Edgar Quinonez, 31. Metro police shot and killed Ortega as he ran out of the front of the business. Three other people were injured in the shooting. 'We don't have a definitive answer on it,' LVMPD Sheriff Kevin McMahill said during an exclusive interview Wednesday with the 8 News Now Investigators. 'I can tell you there was a long history of abuse of the drug Spice. That certainly could have contributed to that strange behavior.' Spice, also referred to as K2, is a synthetic cannabinoid that mimics THC, the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana, according to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. 'These products are being abused for their psychoactive properties and are packaged without information as to their health and safety risks,' the DEA warned. Ortega's history with Spice dates back a decade, McMahill said. In 2013, North Las Vegas police arrested Ortega on a drug-trafficking charge, records said. A judge ordered him to pay a fine, attend drug counseling, and perform community service. Ortega was a member of the gym and worked out at that location, but there was no connection known between him and Quinonez, police said three days after the shooting. Detectives were awaiting toxicology results as part of their investigation, McMahill said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Mum of missing boy thanks Mirror for helping find 17-year-old son
Deante James, 17, who went missing on the evening of March 31 from Enfield, North London, has been found alive and it's all thanks to our Missed campaign we're working on with the Missing People charity The mother of a missing teenager who has been found alive has thanked The Mirror after we highlighted his story as part of our Missed campaign. Deante James, 17, went missing on the evening of March 31 from the family home in Enfield, north London, while suffering with psychosis, after unknowingly smoking a joint laced with Spice - a lab-made drug designed to mimic the effects of cannabis.. His mum, Vandana Bhogowoth, who found Deante safe, tells The Mirror: "I'm so happy and relieved, thank God we've found him. When I got the call to say he'd been found I was over the moon - I couldn't stop crying.' 'Thanks so much for everything you've done - it pushed the police and this time his name was entered onto the system correctly. It's great news and he's now getting the help he needs." Deante's life changed a few weeks before he vanished, after he shared a joint with friends, not knowing it was laced with Spice - a drug known to cause side effects ranging from difficulty breathing to psychotic episodes in some users. He developed psychosis and the night he went missing, he ran away without his phone or wallet. Lovingly referring to Deante as 'my boo,' Vandana shared her story with The Mirror's Missed campaign last month, telling us how he he was picked up by British Transport Police three days after going missing for not being able to pay his fare but let go because of an inputting error and fell through the cracks. But, instead of bringing him home and ending Vandana's agony, the police let him go. Vandana, 36, explained at the time: 'He's underage, he's vulnerable and at risk. Police had hold of him and let him go - we could have had him home by now.' It was only after Vandana contacted her MP that Deante's case was changed from medium to high risk - despite being 17 and vulnerable. And it's not just Deante - many missing people are slipping through the cracks, because there's no clear government plan to protect or support them. Now Vandana is determined that other families should not be put through the same agony as she was - meeting with Jess Phillips MP, the parliamentary under-secretary for The Home Office, while Deante was missing to share her experience. And she is backing our Missed campaign, which is calling for a co-ordinated response by services like the police and hospitals in dealing with missing people. Deante's story illustrates the importance of signing our petition calling for a proper government strategy, led by the Home Office, Education, and Health departments, so that missing people and their loved ones get the help they deserve. So far 13, 477 people have signed, but we need 100,000 for it to be debated in Parliament. DEMAND ACTION FOR MISSING PEOPLE Too many missing people are falling through the cracks - harmed while away, and ignored when they return. We need a proper government strategy led by the Home Office, Education, and Health departments to stop this crisis. Right now, there's no real support. People go missing again and again - yet no one's asking why. We're calling for: A new national strategy for missing children and adults Proper support for missing people when they return Investment to stop people going missing in the first place At 10,000 signatures, the government has to respond. At 100,000, it will be debated in Parliament. That's our goal - real action. Susannah Drury, Director of Policy and Development at Missing People, which backs our campaign, says: 'We are incredibly relieved that Deante James has been found safe, after more than a month of being missing and at high risk of harm. "Throughout his time missing, our team has been supporting his mum and simply being there during the most frightening moments of her life. While we share in her relief, we are also deeply concerned about how someone at such high risk could disappear without an urgent response being triggered. 'This case highlights urgent gaps in the system, and it's exactly why our current petition is more important than ever. We need lasting change — not just to prevent young people from falling through the cracks, but to ensure that families like his have the support they need at every stage, both in crisis and beyond. Right now, Deante's family need space and time to begin to process what they've been through, and we will continue to stand beside them as they navigate the days and weeks ahead.' FAMILIES OF THE MISSING Missing people: Facts and Myths Every year, 170,000 people vanish in the UK – that's one person every 90 seconds. Fortunately, most return home within a few days, often without the need for a public appeal. For adults over 18, going missing isn't illegal, but the police will want to ensure their safety. If there are concerns for their welfare, a public appeal might be launched. Importantly, you don't need to wait 24 hours to report someone missing. If their absence is unusual, contact the police immediately. Any child who goes missing will be looked for by police though they are not often given public facing appeals. How the Missing People charity Supports Families Missing People works closely with the police to amplify missing appeals and provide vital support to families. They offer practical help in searches and emotional support to those affected. If you need assistance or want to see your loved one's appeal on the Missed map, call their Helpline on 116 000. It's free, confidential and non-judgemental. They are also there to listen if you are thinking of disappearing or have already left. The Role of Public Appeals Not all missing cases are made public. In situations involving domestic abuse or severe mental health issues, publicity might do more harm than good. That is one reason why you will only see a fraction of missing cases on the Missed map. When sharing appeals, it's crucial to use the official channels from the Missing People website or via the share button on the Missed map. This ensures that once the person is found, all traces of the appeal are removed, respecting their privacy. The Mirror is committed to removing digital footprints of shared appeals, ensuring the missing person's right to be forgotten is upheld. By sharing official appeals, you help protect the privacy and dignity of those who have been found.
NZ Autocar
3 days ago
- Automotive
- NZ Autocar
1978 Ford Capri 3.0i Group 1
Mention the words 'Ford' and 'touring car', and most enthusiasts will likely think of the Falcon, Sierra or Escort. Few Kiwi fans recall the Ford Capri, the stylish coupe that some consider made Ford sexy during its tenure. It enjoyed a motorsport career that lasted the majority of its 18-year production run. Originally homologated as a (relatively disastrous) 2.0-litre Group 1 car, it would be developed into a feisty V6 battler. First came the 2.6-litre in 1971, followed by the BMW-battling RS3100. Come 1977 and the Capri 3.0S debuted in Group 1 form. Compared with the previous Capri homologation specials, these were mild. Group 1 regulations were based around series production cars. Ford's presence in the British Saloon Car Championship (BSCC) was spearheaded by the Capri. Gordon Spice would become synonymous with the Group 1 Ford Capri, winning 27 races and scoring six class victories between 1975 and 1980. Five of these were at the wheel of the Capri 3.0S, and four as a team owner. But he never won an outright championship thanks to the way the points were awarded. However, in 1978, Spice would take one of his (and the Capri's) most famous victories. He stood atop the podium at Spa after a gruelling 24 hours, sharing his Belga-sponsored Capri with Teddy Pillette. This car, built by CC Racing Developments, bears the chassis number CC-5. Headed by Dave Cook and Pete Clark, CC Racing Developments screwed together arguably the most competitive Capri 3.0S of the period. From 1977 through to 1982, they engineered between 20 and 25 cars. Most were destined for England. But Europe also provided a market for the CC Capris, quite likely off the back of the Spa successes. The recipe for these cars was fairly simple, owing largely to Group 1 regulations. These dictated a production block, in this instance a 3.0 litre Essex V6. While the showroom version was hardly a performance unit, common opinion suggests that these engines were pumping out around 250-270hp. It's worth mentioning they also had to run induction consistent with the production car. In this instance, a two-barrel Weber carburettor, rendering that power level all the more impressive. The car's Type 5 four-speed gearbox was equipped with a Hewland gearset. An LSD was installed on the rear axle. Suspension allowed more freedom. Adjustable platform front struts with spherical bearing top hats, and a modified leaf-sprung rear ensured trueness to production layout. Appropriate anti-roll bars were installed to retain a degree of body control, and the result was a low-slung stance that only improved the Mk3 Capri's svelte lines. Key to the aesthetic were the 13-inch wheels. The production car rolled on 13s, ergo, so must the race car, albeit wider and shod in competition rubber. These wheels covered an RS3100-sourced vented front rotor grasped by Girling 16 calipers. At the rear, a rudimentary pair of drums. The Spa 24 hour car gained a hefty tank bolted into the rear and quick-fill fuel caps neatly installed under an OEM flap. The flanks saw the installation of lights, to ensure the race numbers were visible in the pitch-black Belgian night. But otherwise, it's a straightforward, competitive Group 1 Capri. The story of CC5 didn't end with its 1978 Spa win, however. As evidenced by the original sticker on the centre switch console, it'd run in England and Europe through until 1981. Drivers like Andy Rouse graced the interior – by all accounts, the car has done a lot of racing. As the 1982 season dawned, so too did the Rover SD1. This marked the competitive end for the Capri, but instead of being mothballed, CC5 was spirited over to Asia alongside its stablemate CC7. The car would be raced at the Macau GP that year, without any notable success, and sold. CC5's contemporary motorsport career would wind up in 1986. At this point the car was acquired by a Manxman named Barry Forth. An ex-motorcycle road racer, Forth operated a business named 'Road and Track Performance.' Catering to a wealthy Asian client base, the company specialised in motorsport preparation but, for whatever reason, the Capri was acquired as part of a deal, then mothballed. Forth would eventually find his way to New Zealand, settling in Canterbury, and bringing a container or two with him. In one of those was the Capri, which would languish in captivity for some time before well-known Christchurch restoration specialist, Gary Wilkinson, came into the picture. While at the Forth residence completing a bit of auto electrical wizardry, Wilkinson tells a story of Capri discovery. A chance glimpse through the open door of the container revealed the unmistakable Mk3 Capri silhouette. The real kicker though? The 'Gordon Spice Racing' sunstrip adorning the front screen. The car wore a fairly plain white coat of paint beneath a thick coat of dust. As a self-diagnosed Ford fanatic, Wilkinson couldn't help but delve further. Closer investigation revealed the Essex V6 between the front struts. The tag in particular caught his eye, bearing the characters 'CC5.' This was where it was left, with Wilkinson finishing up his job and heading back to base where his research would begin. A while later, a deal was made, and Wilkinson pumped up the tyres and rolled CC5 onto a trailer in May of 2018. He recalls his excitement at his initial discovery of the dual fuel fillers and the presence of the 1981 RAC 'advertising permit' stickers. Despite the typical chequered history and neglect that comes with old racing cars, the Capri was complete and authentic. Only the absence of the original Minilite wheels was noted, hardly much of a concern. It'd be 18 months until work would begin on the car. Allan Scott, an ex-Walkinshaw engine development guru, assisted Wilkinson in making the right connections to verify authenticity and restore the car in a manner befitting its provenance. Wilkinson's modus operandi when it comes to restoration is key to the end result. As he says, 'the devil is in the detail,' and it's not always about things being returned to better than new order. Race hardware was never 'perfect,' even in its heyday. Aesthetically, Wilkinson has been careful to retain a degree of original patina. The aforementioned center switch panel wears its age with pride. A trio of Smith's gauges in the dash display decades of telltale readings. The leather of the 'RS' emblazoned steering wheel evokes close-quartered racing in each of its cracks and nicks. The engine and 'box are also original to the car, built in period by Neil Brown Engineering, a company still operating to this day. In the pursuit of power, Wilkinson experimented with some modern Holley carbs. But the original Weber left the engine builder and the dyno operator speechless. A forensic examination showed the carb had some bespoke modifications, an indication that in 1978 they knew exactly what they were doing. Within the rules? Who knows, but perhaps a clue as to how they got those Capris performing so well. Overall, Wilkinson doesn't deem the restoration as being too difficult. Often, the tricky bit is sourcing components, which were generally discarded as the race car evolved. The originality of the Ford Capri meant that, by and large, refurbishment of existing components was the order of the day. Even after being stripped to a bare shell, it revealed an excellent base with virtually no rust. Upon confirming the car's provenance with Dave Cook, Wilkinson learned that the team put around 400 hours into each shell. Every two inches, the seams are hand brazed for stiffness. It did however show signs of a repair in the front left. It's documented that in hour 17 or 18 of that 1978 Spa 24 hour race, Spice nailed the armco and lost his two and a half lap lead. The team would repair the damage, install a new strut, and absolutely send it to the finish. Pilette and Spice would peg back the leading BMW and take that historic win. Wilkinson makes no bones that he's proud the car is presented 'as it ran' in period. No special upgrades or concession to modern trends. 'Just how it was' is his summation. After a season competing among the Historic Touring Cars NZ grid, Wilkinson made the call to put the car up for sale. With such extensive provenance in the UK and Europe, keeping the car on Kiwi soil was always going to be a long shot. The Ford Capri has since left our shores, landing in England. Its next track outing is fitting; competing in the Gordon Spice Trophy race. It's a new addition to the Goodwood Members Meeting, aimed at contemporary and period Group 1 specification touring cars. It's a full circle moment for the Capri, a genuine Gordon Spice machine racing for a trophy bearing the original racer's name. And it's something Wilkinson can be immensely proud of.
Scottish Sun
4 days ago
- Politics
- Scottish Sun
Vape makers to dodge disposables ban by switching to longer-life products, it's claimed
Campaigners warn these remain effectively single use once heating coils are bust THE VAPE ESCAPE Vape makers to dodge disposables ban by switching to longer-life products, it's claimed VAPE makers are set to dodge the ban on disposable e-cigs by switching to longer-life products, it is claimed. Experts fear lawmakers have blundered over so-called 'big puff' vapes masquerading as reusable. Advertisement 1 Single-use vapes will be banned tomorrow Credit: Alamy They say manufacturers of some super-sized gadgets — which each deliver up to 20,000 draws — are swerving regulations by fitting them with charging ports and superficial refilling features. But campaigners warn these remain effectively single use once heating coils are bust. Richard Begg, of retailer VPZ, said: 'There are a lot of questions around what is banned and what isn't. Big puff products are still going to be available. They are touted as reusable but obviously they are not. It's a blunder by legislators and a massive concern.' Single-use vapes are banned by law from tomorrow. Advertisement Compliant devices should be refillable, rechargeable and the pod or coil should be replaceable. However, products which carry more liquid and have USB charging ports have been introduced which cannot be refilled or have coils replaced. Tory MSP Douglas Lumsden, said: 'Producers should not be using legal loopholes to continue selling vapes that are effectively single use.' Sheila Duffy of anti-smoking charity ASH added: 'The Scottish Government must always be vigilant about the emergence of 'big puff' e-cigarettes.' Advertisement Ministers said: 'If a 'big puff' vape contains a coil which cannot be replaced, these vapes will be considered to be single-use.' We previously told how an urgent warning was issued to Scottish parents after dozens of primary school children were hospitalised after smoking 'zombie' drug vapes. Disposable vapes will be banned across UK by next summer to stop Britain's kids from getting hooked An increasing number of pupils across Scottish primary schools have been found with vape pens by staff, according to The Scotsman. And it is feared by both teachers and students that the pens could be laced with illicit substances and often contain cannabis. Advertisement However, an expert has said he has 'full confidence' that they actually contain Spice - a "zombie-like" drug that was banned in 2016.
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Prison's provision for dementia inmates 'poor'
Prison inmates with dementia are being held in normal cells without extra accommodations, inspectors have said. The Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) said facilities at County Durham's HMP Frankland for elderly frail prisoners, as well as those with dementia, were "quite poor". It also said both staff and prisoners had required hospital checks following exposure to fumes from the drug Spice. The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) said it was "clamping down" on drugs at the prison using detection dogs. In a report published on Tuesday into its monitoring from December 2023 to November 2024, the IMB said there were 21 wheelchair users at the prison, which holds about 800 people, during that time but only 14 adapted cells available. It said the number of older prisoners at the site was growing. "Much of the prison is not designed for an elderly population," the report said. According to latest statistics, as of March 2025 there were 52 people aged 70 and over at the prison. It also held about 261 prisoners aged between 50 and 69 at the site. The inspectors said they considered HMP Frankland to be a "generally safe environment" and that wings often appeared to be "calm and settled". It also noted that the prison had recently initiated a "dementia pathway scheme" to provide extra support to prisoners with the disease. The report comes after the Manchester Arena bomber Hashem Abedi threw hot oil at officers and stabbed them with makeshift weapons at the prison in April. The IMB said drone sightings above the prison had increased and that more postage to the site was testing positive for drugs. The report said the availability of illegal drugs at the prison was a "significant concern". It said about 112 prisoners were on the caseload of the site's drug and alcohol recovery team. The MoJ said it was pleased inspectors had recognised the prison as "generally safe" despite the "challenges" that came with running a high-security prison. Follow BBC North East on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram. Prison has mould and 'mushrooms' growing on walls Manchester Arena bomber attacks prison officers HMP Frankland Independent Monitoring Board
