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Officials Seized Nearly 20,000 Coconuts Filled With Liquid Cocaine

By
Kaniva Staff
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By Samantha Berlin. msn.com

Officials in Colombia seized nearly 20,000 coconuts filled with liquid cocaine out of more than 500 bags intended to go to Italy.

Pile of coconuts
© Tim Graham/Getty Images Pile of coconuts

The shipment was discovered by officials on Thursday at a port in Bolívar, Colombia in a container bound for Genoa, Italy. Anti-narcotics personnel found 19,780 coconuts inside 504 canvas bags, a press release issued Thursday stated.

“Upon inspection, it was established that the water in the tropical fruit had been exchanged for liquid cocaine,” the Office of the Attorney General of Colombia said in a statement. “In this sense, the coconuts were transferred to a specialized laboratory to establish the exact amount of drug.”

Liquid cocaine is powder cocaine that has been dissolved in various solvents that allow it to become liquid and later converted back into a powder, Vice reported. Liquid cocaine is more difficult to detect than powder cocaine and is commonly ingested.

The investigation was carried out in collaboration with the Attorney General’s Office’s Specialized Directorate against Drug Trafficking and the National Police‘s Anti-Narcotics Directorate.

Officials are investigating the party responsible for loading the nearly 20,000 coconuts. Investigators said they have contacted the Italian authorities and are working to establish who was set to receive the shipment.

The amount of cocaine inside the coconuts has not been released but the coconuts have been sent off to a lab for further analysis.

Covid-19 Fiji: The worst is over – Govt

By
Kaniva Staff
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By RNZ.co.nz and is republished with permission.

Fiji has been through the worst phase of its third wave of the coronavirus, health authorities say, amid soaring deaths and infections across the country.

Permanent Secretary for Health Dr James Fong said the medical data confirmed this.

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.. Photo: Facebook/Fiji govt

Dr Fong said Fiji was seeing a sustained decrease in the number of Covid-related admissions in hospitals.

He said various employers could also vouch for this decreasing trend “as there is less Covid-related absenteeism from work.”

But he stressed the Covid-safe measures must continue in the immediate and medium-term to protect the most vulnerable in the communities.

“We have seen relatively low rates of hospitalisation and death in this wave, due to our high rate of vaccination. And we did not have to create extra space in our treatment facilities of mortuaries.”

Dr Fong said 798 people had died from Covid-19 since the pandemic hit Fiji in March 2020.

He said majority were unvaccinated, had severe comorbidities and died while at home or on their way to the hospital.

Dr Fong said this trend showed the next stage of the government’s response would need to involve a more holistic view of the medical realties Fiji faced.

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.. Photo: Fiji Health Ministry

Seven more deaths, 146 new cases

In its latest update on the Covid-19 situation last weekend, Fiji’s Health Ministry reported that seven people had died from the virus.

This brings the death toll to 798 – 796 since April 2021.

There were 146 new cases confirmed in the community.

Dr Fong said people who were eligible to get vaccinated against Covid-19 must do so.

He said this included Fijians who were yet to receive their booster shot.

Fiji has 1851 Covid cases in isolation with 129 of them in hospital in critical condition.

The ministry also said 92 percent of Fiji’s adult population had been fully vaccinated against Covid-19, while 98 percent were yet to receive their second dose of the vaccine.

There are 41,216 children aged 12 to 17 fully vaccinated, the ministry stated, with 59,027 having received their first dose.

Children and teens being vaccinated in Fiji.

Children and teens being vaccinated in Fiji. Photo: Supplied/ Fijian government

One booster shot is needed – MOH

The ministry was aware of the need for only one Covid-19 booster dose, said Dr Fong.

Dr Fong said Fijians would not need have a booster every six months.

“So far, the only recommendation we are aware of is one booster with Moderna or Pfizer.”

Dr Fong said vulnerable groups in the communities were at an increased risk of being infected and suffering from severe disease.

“We know that severe disease is rare in children, but this risk increases should they have significant underlying health conditions.

“By vaccinating and maintaining our Covid-safe measures, we protect the vulnerable among us.”

Dr Fong also reiterated the need for the public to be aware of the symptoms of severe Covid-19 disease, and early presentation to a health facility when severe symptoms were present, were critical protection measures that every individual should know and act upon.

Meth use widespread in Tahiti – prosecutor

By
Kaniva Staff
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By RNZ.co.nz and is republished with permission.

The public prosecutor in French Polynesia says there are at least 10,000 consumers of methamphetamine in a territory with fewer than 280,000 inhabitants.

Methamphetamine also known as crystal meth

Photo: 123RF

Thomas Pison said such high use of the illegal drug is not only a crime issue but has become a public health problem.

After initially being used by the elite, methamphetamine has spread to all levels of society, including to schools.

Figures for last year show crime has dropped due to prolonged periods with curfews but that the number of methamphetamine consumers reportedly remained unchanged.

Mr Pison says the drug is highly addictive and cuts people off from society.

The drug is smuggled in from the United States and sells for up to $US8,000 a gram.

Australia’s HMAS Adelaide suffers power failure during Tongan aid mission

By
Kaniva Staff
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By ABC

A massive electrical power failure has crippled the Australian Navy’s largest warship as it completes its humanitarian mission to Tonga following the 14 January volcanic eruption and tsunami.

Australian Navy HMAS Adelaide docked at Vuna Wharf in Tonga's capital Nuku'alofa on January 26, 2022.
Australian Navy HMAS Adelaide docked at Vuna Wharf in Tonga’s capital Nuku’alofa on 26 January, 2022. Photo: AFP

The ABC can reveal that despite days of emergency work, HMAS Adelaide, known as a landing helicopter dock (LHD), is still experiencing problems, having earlier been “stranded”.

An email sent by HMAS Adelaide‘s commander states: “Marine Technical Department have worked throughout the past few days to restore power and get us operational again.”

In the message, obtained by the ABC, Captain Stuart Watters said: “We are still experiencing issues with external communications and wanted to let you know that everyone onboard is safe.

“We want to thank the technical team for their hard work in hot and difficult conditions which is enabling us to complete our task and restore services and communications.”

Sources on board HMAS Adelaide told the ABC the ship was “stranded” for a period of time because of a “total power failure”, including the backup power.

According to several members of the crew, most of the ship’s company were now sleeping “above deck” because of the power problems.

Last week, HMAS Adelaide was allowed to dock in Tonga to deliver humanitarian supplies, despite a Covid-19 outbreak that occurred on board shortly after it had departed Australia.

The ship’s commander insisted “Covid protocols are in place and effected personnel are being provided with medical care and being supported”.

“A number of people who were originally identified as infectious have been cleared to return to duty after completing quarantine,” Captain Watters wrote.

The Australian Defence Department is yet to respond to the ABC’s request for comment.

– This story by ABC.net.au appeared on RNZ.co.nz. RNZ collaborated with Kaniva News

Tonga to get more relief supplies from French Polynesia

By
Kaniva Staff
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By RNZ.co.nz and is republished with permission.

A French Polynesian ship is on its way to Tonga with 300 tons of supplies – two weeks after Tonga was hit by a volcanic eruption and tsunami.

The Tahiti Nui is expected to travel for four days to reach Nukualofa, bringing water, storage tanks and other material as part of an international relief effort.

Donations collected in Tahiti for victims of Tonga's volcanic eruption and tsunami
Donations collected in Tahiti for victims of Tonga’s volcanic eruption and tsunami Photo: supplied

The French Polynesian government contributed following Tonga’s appeal for assistance, relayed via the Pacific Islands Forum.

The ship is carrying wood and tarpaulins to help build temporary accommodation for families and support reconstruction.

The cargo also includes clothes, sanitary products and non-perishable foodstuffs, collected during a week-long drive supported by the churches

French Polynesia government ship used to transport relief supplies to Tonga
French Polynesia government ship used to transport relief supplies to Tonga Photo: supplied

The French Polynesian president Edouard Fritch said the outpouring of solidarity that characterises Pacific peoples has not failed its reputation for generosity in the most difficult situation.

The French military had earlier sent one patrol boat with 40 tons of supplies from French Polynesia and another one with 10 tons from New Caledonia.

It also flew in supplies from Noumea in an operation with the French foreign ministry, liaising with the European Union and the Tongan authorities.

Because of Tonga’s Covid-19 restrictions, all deliveries are being made without any contact with the local population.

French Polynesia provides relief supplies for victims of Tonga's volcanic eruption and tsunami
French Polynesia provides relief supplies for victims of Tonga’s volcanic eruption and tsunami Photo: supplied

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern tests negative for Covid-19

By
Kaniva Staff
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By RNZ.co.nz and is republished with permission.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has tested negative for Covid-19 after being deemed a close contact of a positive case on a flight.

No caption
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern was isolating after being deemed a close contact of a positive Covid-19 case on a flight from Kerikeri to Auckland on 22 January. Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone

Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro and a staff member in the Prime Minister’s office who were on the flight with her have also had negative results.

Ardern and Dame Cindy Kiro are self-isolating and took PCR tests after they were deemed close contacts of the positive Covid-19 case.

They and their fellow passengers were exposed to the coronavirus on a flight from Kerikeri to Auckland on 22 January.

Ardern is fully vaccinated and received a booster shot on 17 January.

The flight – NZ8273 – was added to the Ministry of Health website as a location of interest on Saturday.

Ardern and Dame Cindy were in Northland undertaking advance filming at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds for the Waitangi Day broadcast.

The whole genome sequencing of the original case is also expected today.

Ardern’s office said at the weekend that she felt well and had no symptoms.

Prime Minister defends Deputy’s ‘no sirens’ reply as tsunami death toll rises to four

By
Kalino Latu
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The Prime Minister has clarified that the warning sirens did not sound before the deadly tsunami hit the country because Japanese workers who had been setting up the system could not come to Tonga because of the Covid restrictions.

Prime Minister Hu’akavameiliku and Deputy Prime Minister Poasi Tei

Hon. Hu’akavameiliku said the sirens had been installed in various locations, but the computer programmes required to trigger them to sound when there was a tsunami have yet to be installed.

He said the Japanese workers had no opportunity to quarantine in New Zealand or Australia as their MIQs were full. He said they could quarantine in Fiji, but that had been ruled out because of the Omicron virus outbreak there.

Hon Hu’akavameiliku said communication was underway with the Japanese authorities to see if the workers could board the Japanese ship bound for the kingdom with tsunami aid relief.

The Prime Minister’s response comes after Kaniva News reported there were concerns about why the sirens did not sound before the tsunami struck. The concerns were raised during the government’s first livestreamed press conference on Sunday, January 23.

In that press conference Deputy Prime Minister Poasi Tei, who is also Minister of Disaster, responded to the concerns.

Hon. Tei said that after he was assured a tsunami was hitting the country, he called the Director of Met Service and told him to “sound the alarm”.

His response sparked confusion after he implied that the sirens were waiting for someone to sound them.

The Prime Minister later said in another press conference he wanted to set the record right that the Japanese workers needed to be in Tonga to complete the installation of the warning system.

Tsunami death toll

The Prime Minister said the number of people who died from the tsunami triggered by the Hungas volcanic eruption was now four.

He did not give any details of the fourth deceased. As we reported recently, a 65-year-old man, Telai Tutu’ila of Mango Island, was killed by the powerful waves. The other two were a British national Angela Glover as well as a 49-year-old woman from Nomuka Island.

Hon. Hu’akavameiliku was making the update this afternoon while he was addressing the nation and the international community on Tonga Broadcasting Commission livestream.

The Prime Minister was visibly emotional at times and said his priority after the tsunami was people’s recovery.

He said the government was ready to rebuild houses.

Hon Hu’akavameiliku said the assistance from overseas countries and Tongans overseas were a blessing for the country.

Forum launches Pacific appeal for Tonga

By
Kaniva Staff
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By RNZ.co.nz and is republished with permission.

The Pacific Islands Forum has launched a “Blue Pacific Appeal” for Tonga.

Secretary-General Henry Puna said the initiative aims “to help mobilise financial support” to aid the Kingdom’s recovery from the events of January 15.

Former Cook Islands Prime Minister, Henry Puna, was elected Secretary-General of the Pacific Islands Forum in 2021.
Pacific Islands Forum, Secretary-General Henry Puna Photo: RNZ / Johnny Blades

“Our hearts go out to those in Tonga and the people of Tonga around the world who have been trying to find out more news of their loved ones and communities,” he said.

“I send condolences to those grieving, the displaced communities, and the many who are rebuilding their lives and homes.”

Puna said Forum nations have responded swiftly to assist Tonga “and provide confirmation of being ready to step in to assist, where required, when the time comes.”

A view over an area of Tonga that shows the heavy ash fall from the recent volcanic eruption within the Tongan Islands.
A view over an area of Tonga that shows the heavy ash fall from the recent volcanic eruption within the Tongan Islands. Photo: Supplied / NZ Defence Force

He said communications challenges in co-ordination of the response efforts by partners and organisations remain significant.

But the Forum continues to engage with the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) to support the emergency response work.

Covid-19 update: 97 new community cases, total number of Omicron cases rises to 116

By
Kaniva Staff
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By RNZ.co.nz and is republished with permission.

There have been 97 new community cases reported today, with 11 new Omicron cases identified in the community.

No caption
Photo: 123rf.com

In a statement, the Ministry of Health said 116 community cases of Covid-19 have either been confirmed as the Omicron variant or have been linked to a previously reported Omicron case.

It said there had now been 39 cases connected to the Soundsplash music festival in Hamilton last weekend – including two new cases in Northland, one in Hawke’s Bay and three in Tairāwhiti today – and this number is expected to grow as further test results are received.

“Given the increase in cases associated with Soundsplash, the Ministry of Health advises all attendees to get a test, if they have not already done so. If you attended the festival, please let the testing centre know that you were at the festival.”

It said two of the four community cases in Canterbury reported earlier in the week have now been confirmed to be Omicron, and there are active cases being treated as Omicron in Auckland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Taranaki, MidCentral, Canterbury, Tairāwhiti and Nelson-Tasman.

The 97 new community cases reported today are in Northland (1), Auckland (61), Waikato (14), Tairawhiti (3), Bay of Plenty (8), Rotorua (7) and Hawke’s Bay (3).

Three of the eight new cases are onboard the Singapore-flagged Maersk Bogor container ship, which is currently under quarantine at the Port of Tauranga.

The Ministry said more than two dozen of the crew on board the ship – which arrived in port on Friday morning have experienced Covid-like illness. Testing returned three positive results so far.

No one has been allowed off the ship and it is due to leave port tomorrow.

There are now seven people in hospital with Covid-19, although none are in intensive care.

The Health Ministry said there were also 58 new cases at the border. The new cases came from UAE, UK, USA, Germany, Singapore, India, Albania, Australia, Egypt, Malaysia, Canada, Czech Republic, Qatar and Mexico.

There were 105 new community cases reported yesterday, with 15 new Omicron cases identified. There were also 45 new cases identified at the border.

There have now been 15,770 cases of Covid-19 in New Zealand.

The Ministry said Covid had been detected in wastewater tests in Dannevirke, Kerikeri, Pukekohe, Paihia and Rawene earlier this week.

Professor Michael Plank says Omicron cases tended to double in two to four days at the start of an outbreak.

“We could see numbers continue to shoot up into the several hundreds over the next week or so.”

There were 1251 first doses; 2212 second doses; 12,860 paediatric doses and 46,271 booster doses given yesterday.

There has been a total of 1,257,758 booster doses given in New Zealand.

The Ministry said Nelson Marlborough was only five first doses short of partially vaccinating 90 percent of Māori and it will be the eighth DHB area to achieve this milestone.

Bad weather hampers efforts to fix microwave link in Tonga

By
Kaniva Staff
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By Finau Fonua of RNZ.co.nz and is republished with permission.

Poor weather conditions are preventing a team of engineers from repairing a damaged microwave link on the uninhabited island of Kao in Tonga.

Digicel Tonga’s technical team working on satellite link equipment to restore internet connection
Digicel Tonga’s technical team working on satellite link equipment to restore internet connection Photo: Digicel Tonga

The microwave link would restore telecommunications in the Vava’u and Ha’apai group of islands, which have been cut-off from the outside world since the volcanic eruption two weeks ago.

Digicel’s chief executive in Tonga, Anthony Seuseu, said he’s now organising for a satellite terminal to be sent to Vava’u.

“You know because the weather forecast is bad for the next week, and we also have been trying for the last few days to get on to Kao, I can’t wait any longer, I need to get some form sort of communication to Vava’u.

So what i’ve decided to do is to send a satellite terminal there so at least for our ICT customers, we can switch that on for them,” he said.

He said a team of engineers had been attempting to land by helicopter on Kao.

“For the last three days the team have tried to get to that island via helicopter for the helicopter to drop in on the top of, top of Kao island to fix the equipment which is on the top of Kao island but it was too dangerous to land the helicopter on the summit.

Meanwhile, a specialist ship is on its way to restore the sole undersea cable linking Tonga to the rest of the world.

It’s expected to arrive on Sunday but technicians may need to a few weeks to repair it.

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