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Scottish Sun
7 days ago
- Scottish Sun
Another Thai Brit smuggler suspect arrested with cannabis haul bound for UK after Bella Culley & Charlotte May Lee drama
NEW DRUG CACHE Another Thai Brit smuggler suspect arrested with cannabis haul bound for UK after Bella Culley & Charlotte May Lee drama ANOTHER Thai Brit smuggler suspect has been arrested with a cannabis haul bound for the UK, following similar cases like Bella Culley and Charlotte May Lee. The 31-year-old suspect was stopped during a transit stop on his way to Newcastle via Frankfurt from Bangkok and was led away in cuffs to be locked up in preventive custody at the Korneuburg prison. 1 Police discovers a total of 11.3 kilograms of cannabis in British man's suitcase Credit: Newsflash The arrest took place at Vienna International Airport, a city airport on the outskirts of the Austrian capital yesterday. Customs officers found 11.3kg of cannabis packed into 13 vacuum-sealed parcels concealed among clothes in the man's suitcase. The suitcase had been checked in at Bangkok and was labelled for onward travel to Frankfurt and Newcastle. Police said the street value of the cannabis was approximately £95,000. According to police, the man, who was not named, refused to confess and made no statement about the contents of the suitcase. Officials said the investigation is being led by the public prosecutor's office in Korneuburg. It comes merely a day after a British couple claiming to be tourists from Thailand were 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. The man and woman, aged 33 and 34, were stopped before reaching customs, with officials later discovering vacuum-packed marijuana and no clothes or personal belongings in their luggage. This marks the fourth case in weeks involving British nationals and alleged drug smuggling linked to Thailand. Brit woman, 21, rotting in Dubai hellhole jail without a shower for a month after being arrested on drugs charges Bella May Culley, 18, sparked a massive international search operation in early May after she was reported missing while she was believed to be holidaying in Thailand. But it was later revealed that the teen, from Billingham, County Durham, had been arrested 4,000 miles away on drug offences in Georgia, allegedly carrying 14kg of cannabis into the ex-Soviet nation. The teen - who posted online about living a "Bonnie and Clyde" lifestyle - is now in Georgia's grim No5 Women's Penitentiary near Rustavi, facing 15 years to life in prison. Her new lawyer Malkhaz Salakaia, a juvenile law specialist, said Bella didn't even know where she was when arrested. Bella is said to have told her lawyer she is pregnant and cooperated with police for the first time last week, as her anguished dad Niel visited her for 45 minutes and delivered food and clothes. And recently 21-year-old Charlotte Lee May, from Coulsdon, south London, was arrested in the Sri Lankan capital Colombo after police discovered 46 kg of 'Kush' - a synthetic strain of cannabis - in her suitcase. The former flight attendant, facing up to 25 years in prison if convicted, is claiming she had 'no idea' about the drugs worth up to £1.2 million. She insists they must have been planted in her luggage without her knowledge. Charlotte, a part-time beautician and ex-TUI stewardess, had flown into Sri Lanka from Thailand and was snapped in a white outfit and sparkly sandals just after her arrest. Her two suitcases were reportedly stuffed with tightly vacuum sealed packages of the deadly synthetic drug, 25 times more potent than fentanyl. She claims she left her packed bags unattended overnight in her Bangkok hotel while out partying and had no idea what was inside. 'I had never seen them before,' she said. A mystery British man she met in Thailand was reportedly waiting for her at Colombo airport, and sources fear she may have been under his influence. Charlotte is now holed up in the overcrowded Welikada Prison, where she's been forced to sleep on a concrete floor, clean herself with a bucket of water and survive on rice and curry. 'She is a total mess,' a source told The Sun. 'She hates the food… The prison is not fit for a rat to live in.' She broke down in court after being told she may not be sentenced for another 12 months and is now banned from contacting loved ones. Meanwhile an older British man has been arrested by police in Chile after allegedly being caught trying to smuggle five kilos of methamphetamine into the country. The 79-year-old was held after leaving a flight from the Mexican resort of Cancun at Santiago Airport. He was booked on a flight to Sydney in Australia the following day after spending a night at a hotel in the Chilean capital. The unnamed pensioner was remanded in custody following a court appearance after a judge approved a prosecution request to send him to prison pending probable charges and trial. Cops say the drugs he was apprehended with would have been worth around £200,000 on the streets of the south American country. He was intercepted after his luggage was put through an airport scanner.
The Irish Sun
7 days ago
- The Irish Sun
Another Thai Brit smuggler suspect arrested with cannabis haul bound for UK after Bella Culley & Charlotte May Lee drama
ANOTHER Thai Brit smuggler suspect has been arrested with a cannabis haul bound for the UK, following similar cases like Bella Culley and Charlotte May Lee. The 31-year-old suspect was stopped during a transit stop on his way to Newcastle via Frankfurt from Bangkok and was led away in cuffs to be locked up in preventive custody at the Korneuburg prison. Advertisement 1 Police discovers a total of 11.3 kilograms of cannabis in British man's suitcase Credit: Newsflash The arrest took place at Vienna International Airport, a city airport on the outskirts of the Austrian capital yesterday. Customs officers found 11.3kg of cannabis packed into 13 vacuum-sealed parcels concealed among clothes in the man's suitcase. The suitcase had been checked in at Bangkok and was labelled for onward travel to Frankfurt and Newcastle. Police said the street value of the cannabis was approximately £95,000. Advertisement read more news According to police, the man, who was not named, refused to confess and made no statement about the contents of the suitcase. Officials said the investigation is being led by the public prosecutor's office in Korneuburg. It comes merely a day after 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. Advertisement Most read in The Sun The man and woman, aged 33 and 34, were stopped before reaching customs, with officials later discovering vacuum-packed marijuana and no clothes or personal belongings in their luggage. This marks the fourth case in weeks involving British nationals and alleged drug smuggling linked to Thailand. Brit woman, 21, rotting in Dubai hellhole jail without a shower for a month after being arrested on drugs charges Bella May Culley, 18, sparked a massive international search operation in early May after she was reported missing while she was believed to be holidaying in Thailand. But it was later revealed that the teen, from Billingham, County Durham, had been Advertisement The teen - who posted online about living a "Bonnie and Clyde" lifestyle - is now in Georgia's grim No5 Women's Penitentiary near Rustavi, facing 15 years to life in prison. Her new lawyer Malkhaz Salakaia, a juvenile law specialist, said Bella didn't even know where she was when arrested. Bella is said to have told her lawyer she is pregnant and cooperated with police for the first time last week, as her anguished dad Niel visited her for 45 minutes and delivered food and clothes. And recently 21-year-old Charlotte Lee May, from Coulsdon, south London, was arrested in the Sri Lankan capital Colombo after police discovered Advertisement The former flight attendant, facing up to 25 years in prison if convicted, is claiming she had 'no idea' about the drugs worth up to £1.2 million. She insists they must have been planted in her luggage without her knowledge. Charlotte, a part-time beautician and ex-TUI stewardess, had flown into Sri Lanka from Thailand and was snapped in a white outfit and sparkly sandals just after her arrest. Her two suitcases were reportedly stuffed with tightly vacuum sealed packages of the deadly synthetic drug, 25 times more potent than fentanyl. Advertisement She claims she left her packed bags unattended overnight in her Bangkok hotel while out partying and had no idea what was inside. 'I had never seen them before,' she said. A mystery British man she met in Thailand was reportedly waiting for her at Colombo airport, and sources fear she may have been under his influence. Charlotte is now holed up in the overcrowded Welikada Prison, where she's been forced to sleep on a concrete floor, clean herself with a bucket of water and survive on rice and curry. Advertisement 'She is a total mess,' a source told The Sun. 'She hates the food… The prison is not fit for a rat to live in.' She broke down in court after being told she may not be sentenced for another 12 months and is now banned from contacting loved ones. Meanwhile an older British man has been arrested by police in Chile after allegedly being caught trying to smuggle five kilos of methamphetamine into the country. Advertisement The 79-year-old was held after leaving a flight from the Mexican resort of Cancun at Santiago Airport. He was booked on a flight to Sydney in Australia the following day after spending a night at a hotel in the Chilean capital. The unnamed pensioner was remanded in custody following a court appearance after a judge approved a prosecution request to send him to prison pending probable charges and trial. Cops say the drugs he was apprehended with would have been worth around £200,000 on the streets of the south American country. Advertisement He was intercepted after his luggage was put through an airport scanner.
Toronto Sun
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Toronto Sun
Austria welcomes Eurovision winner JJ back home with cheers, hugs and roses
Published May 18, 2025 • 4 minute read Austrian singer Johannes Pietsch aka JJ, winner of the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest, hold up the trophy as he arrives at Vienna International Airport in Schwechat, Austria on May 18, 2025. Photo by JOE KLAMAR / AFP via Getty Images Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page. VIENNA — Austrian fans enthusiastically welcomed classically trained singer JJ back home at Vienna airport on Sunday after he won the 69th Eurovision Song Contest with 'Wasted Love.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account As JJ walked through the gate, hundreds of fans cheered, some played his song and others surrounded the new star, hugging him and asking for autographs. The 24-year-old countertenor, whose winning song combines operatic, multi-octave vocals with a techno twist, and who also sings at the Vienna State Opera, held up his trophy in one hand and a big bouquet of roses in the other. He smiled, wiped away tears and told the crowd 'that victory is for you.' JJ, whose full name is Johannes Pietsch, was Austria's third Eurovision winner, after bearded drag queen Conchita Wurst in 2014 and Udo Jurgens in 1966. 'This is beyond my wildest dreams. It's crazy,' said the singer when being handed the microphone-shaped glass Eurovision trophy after his win in the Swiss city of Basel on Saturday night. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Austria's leaders were among the first to congratulate JJ. On Sunday morning, the country's president, Alexander van der Bellen, celebrated JJ in a video posted on X. 'What a success! What a voice! What a show!' he exclaimed. 'All of Austria is happy.' Chancellor Christian Stoecker wrote on X: 'What a great success — my warmest congratulations on winning #ESC2025! JJ is writing Austrian music history today!' The Vienna State Opera also expressed joy over the win. 'From the Magic Flute to winning the Song Contest is somehow a story that can only take place in Austria,' opera director Bogdan Roscic told the Austrian press agency APA. Several Austrian cities were quick to show their interest in hosting next year's contest. Innsbruck Mayor Johannes Anzengruber told APA that 'not everything has to take place in Vienna. … Austria is bigger than that,' and the towns of Oberwart in Burgenland and Wels in Upper Austria also threw their hats into the ring. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. JJ himself said Saturday night he hoped that Vienna would get the next ESC which he would love to host together with his mentor, Conchita Wurst. A nail-biting final Israeli singer Yuval Raphael came second at an exuberant celebration of music and unity that was shadowed by the Gaza war and rattled by discord over Israel's participation. JJ won after a nail-biting final that saw Raphael scoop up a massive public vote from her many fans for her anthemic 'New Day Will Rise.' But she also faced protests from pro-Palestinian demonstrators calling for Israel to be kicked out of the contest over its conduct of the war against Hamas in Gaza. At a post-victory press conference, JJ said the message of his song about unrequited romance was that 'love is the strongest force on planet Earth, and love persevered. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'Let's spread love, guys,' said JJ, who added that he was honoured to be the first Eurovision champion with Filipino heritage, as well as a proudly queer winner. Eclectic and sometimes baffling The world's largest live music event, which has been uniting and dividing Europeans since 1956, reached its glitter-drenched conclusion with a grand final in Basel that offered pounding electropop, quirky rock and outrageous divas. Acts from 26 countries — trimmed from 37 entrants through two elimination semifinals — performed to some 160 million viewers for the continent's pop crown. No smoke machine, jet of flame or dizzying light display was spared by musicians who had three minutes to win over millions of viewers who, along with national juries of music professionals, picked the winner. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Estonia's Tommy Cash came third with his jokey mock-Italian dance song 'Espresso Macchiato.' Swedish entry KAJ, which had been favourite to win with jaunty sauna ode 'Bara Bada Bastu,' came fourth. Several highly praised singers who had been tipped to win fell short, including French chanteuse Louane and soulful Dutch singer Claude. The show was a celebration of Europe's eclectic, and sometimes baffling, musical tastes. The war in Gaza clouded the contest This year's contest was roiled for a second year by disputes over Israel's participation. Raphael — a survivor of Hamas' Oct. 7, 2023, attack on a music festival in southern Israel that triggered the Gaza war — was met by a mix of cheers and boos as she sang. Swiss broadcaster SRG SSR said a man and woman were stopped as they tried to climb over a barrier to the stage at the end of her song. It said a crew member was hit by paint thrown by the pair. Raphael's team said she was left 'shaken and upset.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The Oct. 7 cross-border attacks by Hamas militants killed 1,200 people, and roughly 250 were taken hostage into Gaza. More than 52,800 people in Gaza have been killed in Israel's retaliatory offensive, according to the territory's health ministry. Pro-Palestinian and pro-Israel protests both took place in Basel, though on a much smaller scale than at last year's event in Sweden. The European Broadcasting Union, or EBU, which runs Eurovision, tightened the contest's code of conduct this year, calling on participants to respect Eurovision's values of 'universality, diversity, equality and inclusivity' and its political neutrality. Eurovision director Martin Green told reporters that the organizers' goal was to 're-establish a sense of unity, calm and togetherness this year in a difficult world.' He said all 37 national delegations 'have behaved impeccably.' — Grieshaber reported from Berlin. Associated Press writer Jill Lawless in Basel, Switzerland contributed to this report. Toronto & GTA Editorial Cartoons Sports World Sunshine Girls
Arab News
02-04-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Saudia expands European footprint with seasonal Vienna, Athens routes
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia's national carrier Saudia has launched direct flights to Vienna and Athens as it enhances its presence in Europe as part of a broader network expansion strategy. The airline will operate three weekly flights to the Austrian capital, which began with an Airbus A320 service from King Abdulaziz International Airport to Vienna International Airport, the company said in a statement. Saudia plans to extend the service with flights from Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport starting in June. The aviator also launched seasonal flights to Greece's capital, which will run three times per week, with the inaugural flight departing from Riyadh on April 2, also operated by an Airbus A320. The national flag carrier is also set to introduce flights from Jeddah to Athens starting in June 2025. The routes are part of a previously announced plan to introduce 11 new destinations this year, including Venice, Athens, and Nice as well as Malaga and Bali. The expansion comes as Saudia posted a 16 percent year-on-year increase in international passenger traffic in 2024, aligning with the Kingdom's National Tourism Strategy, which targets 150 million annual visitors by 2030. Marking the Vienna flight, the airline posted on its official X account: 'This new destination is an addition to Saudia's network of over 100 destinations across four continents, supporting national efforts to grow tourism, entertainment, sports, and religious travel, including Hajj and Umrah.' The new routes come after the airline launched a three-weekly service to Bali earlier this week, its second regular route to Indonesia after Jakarta. Last month, the airline also signed an agreement with Indonesia's Ministry of Religious Affairs to expand pilgrim transportation and improve services for the 2025 Hajj season. The new services strengthen Saudia's role in the Kingdom's Air Connectivity Program, which has introduced more than 60 direct international routes since its 2021 launch. With a fleet of 147 Boeing and Airbus aircraft, the airline plans to expand further, with 118 new aircraft set to join its operations. As part of its 2025 network expansion, Saudia is also set to launch flights to Antalya, Turkiye, and Salalah, Oman, underscoring its broader goal of increasing global market share and positioning itself as a key player in international travel.
Zawya
02-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Saudia launches its seasonal flights from Jeddah to Vienna
Jeddah: Saudia, the national flag carrier of Saudi Arabia, has inaugurated its seasonal flight to Vienna, the capital of Austria, departing from Jeddah. This new route is part of Saudia's commitment to enhancing its presence in Europe and providing more options for guests while bringing the world to the Kingdom. The inaugural flight SV151 departed from King Abdulaziz International Airport at 10:00 AM and arrived at Vienna International Airport at 2:25 PM local time. The airline is dedicated to delivering exceptional travel experiences, streamlining procedures, and ensuring guests enjoy every aspect of their journey. The Jeddah-Vienna route will operate three flights weekly on Airbus A320 aircraft. This new destination is an addition to Saudia's network of over 100 destinations across four continents, supporting national efforts to grow tourism, entertainment, sports, and religious travel, including Hajj and Umrah. Further strengthening connectivity, Saudia will introduce flights from flights from King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh to Vienna starting June 2025. About Saudia: Saudia (Saudia Airlines) is the national flag carrier of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Established in 1945, the company has grown to become one of the Middle East's largest airlines. Saudia has invested significantly in upgrading its aircraft and currently operates one of the youngest fleet, with 144 aircraft. The airline serves an extensive global route network covering around 100 destinations across four continents, including all 28 domestic airports in Saudi Arabia. A member of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the Arab Air Carriers Organization (AACO), Saudia has also been a member airline in SkyTeam, the second largest alliance, since 2012. Saudia was recently awarded the "World Class Airline 2025" for the fourth consecutive year at The APEX Official Airline Ratings™ awards. Saudia has also advanced 11 places in the Skytrax airlines ranking of the World Best Airlines 2023. The Airline also ranked top among global airlines for best on-time performance (OTP) according to a report by Cirium. For more information on Saudia, please visit
