Can you tell us more about the recent drug seizure at Medmerry Beach in West Sussex?
Of course! The National Crime Agency (NCA) recently reported that over half a tonne of cocaine, valued at approximately £40 million, was seized on August 19 near Selsey.
That’s a substantial amount. How many arrests have been made in connection with this seizure?
So far, a total of 12 men have been arrested as part of the ongoing investigation by the NCA. Recently, a 39-year-old man was detained at Luton Airport.
What other locations have been involved in these arrests?
On Tuesday, NCA officers made several additional arrests: a 38-year-old man in Peterborough, a 45-year-old in Bournemouth, a 41-year-old in Poole, and a 36-year-old in Tilbury, Essex. Furthermore, a 39-year-old man was arrested in Liverpool on Monday.
What is the current status of these individuals?
All of the arrested individuals have been released on bail while the investigation continues.
Is there a way for the public to stay informed or contribute information regarding this case?
Absolutely! People can follow BBC Sussex on Facebook, X, and Instagram for the latest updates. If anyone has story ideas or information to share, they are encouraged to reach out at [email protected] or via WhatsApp at 08081 002250.
San Pedro, a small agricultural town in Argentina’s Buenos Aires Province, is currently facing a wave of scrutiny over alleged cryptocurrency trading scams. A digital currency platform in the area, which attracted more than a third of the local population—around 20,000 residents—promised high returns on investments. On September 9th, the platform announced a two-week suspension of withdrawal services as part of a government investigation.
According to La Nacion, the cryptocurrency platform promised a daily return of 1% to 2% in U.S. dollars, leading many residents of San Pedro to invest their savings. Some individuals even sold their cars or took out loans to increase their investments.
Given Argentina’s history of economic instability, locals often convert their salaries and savings into U.S. dollars. With the rise of cryptocurrency, this trend has shifted to digital deposits.
San Pedro, known for its citrus, fruit, and vegetable farming and home to about 70,000 residents, has seen many of its inhabitants turning their attention to high-yield messages on mobile apps like Telegram for trading, rather than relying on traditional farming cues such as weather forecasts.
In a statement on September 9th, the cryptocurrency platform claimed that Argentine regulatory authorities were intervening due to “misleading reports” from local media. The platform stated that if it could no longer operate, it would create a plan for returning funds but simultaneously accused the media of exaggerating fraud claims that were affecting its operations.
While some residents expressed trust in the cryptocurrency investment platform, a government investigation revealed that the platform was not formally registered. It was discovered that both the company’s representatives and traders were hired actors. This led the Argentine Supreme Court to classify the case as an investigation into a major Ponzi scheme.
In a recent turn of events, Beijing is considering imposing tariffs on European petrol cars as a countermeasure to the European Union’s new levies on Chinese electric vehicles. This follows China’s earlier decision to impose tariffs on EU brandy imports, raising the stakes in the ongoing trade dispute with Brussels.
Starting on Friday, October 11, importers of EU brandy will face tariffs of up to 39%. This decision comes after EU member states voted to tax Chinese electric vehicles just a week earlier. Interestingly, only a couple of months ago, China chose not to implement provisional tariffs on brandy, despite presenting claims of dumping.
The announcement from China has already had a ripple effect on the stocks of European car and brandy producers. For example, BMW saw a 3% drop in its shares before making a slight recovery. Meanwhile, French distiller Rémy Cointreau experienced a decline of over 9%, LVMH, which owns Hennessy Cognac, dropped by 6.8%, and Pernod Ricard fell by 4.6%.
This move comes on the heels of recent diplomatic efforts by French President Emmanuel Macron, who sought to bolster relations with Chinese President Xi Jinping during a recent visit to France. During this visit, Macron presented Xi with a rare bottle of Louis XIII Cognac, acknowledging Beijing’s initiation of an anti-dumping investigation into the brandy and commending Xi for his “open attitude” on the inquiry.
Despite these diplomatic overtures, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reasserted the EU’s stance on ensuring that China can sell its products in Europe, as long as state subsidies do not undermine local manufacturing.
Permanent EU tariffs are expected to go into effect in November, with ongoing discussions between the two sides. However, insiders from the EU are expressing concerns that Xi may hesitate to make concessions, especially as China’s economic growth increasingly depends on exports of green technologies like electric vehicles, solar panels, heat pumps, and wind turbines.
This trade conflict is also occurring against the backdrop of the potential return of Donald Trump to the American presidency. Recently, China has called on Washington to lift the sanctions placed on its companies during Trump’s administration in 2018.
Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao has communicated “serious concerns” to U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo regarding these trade restrictions. In light of China’s actions surrounding brandy, the EU has announced plans to challenge these measures at the World Trade Organization, asserting, “We believe that these measures are unfounded, and we are determined to defend EU industry against abuse of trade defense instruments.”
Amid such international tensions, Chinese policymakers are facing domestic pressure to meet growth targets for 2024. Last month, Beijing announced interest rate cuts and promised around $340 billion to support the stock market, although further stimulus measures were withheld in a recent announcement.
The internet has undeniably enhanced the vibrancy of our world and enriched our lives. With advancements from 3G to the synchronization of 4G and now the leadership of 5G, our nation boasts the largest and most sophisticated fiber optic broadband and mobile communication network in the world. As infrastructure continues to develop, the concept of “Internet Plus” is emerging as a powerful catalyst for innovation across various sectors. By leveraging the “power of connectivity,” we can seamlessly integrate traditional political education with cutting-edge information technology, paving new paths for both social and online learning.
The internet significantly enhances the resources available for political education. This field relies on a diverse array of materials—ranging from revolutionary sites to historical artifacts—that carry deep historical significance and provide valuable content for engaging discussions. Through the internet, these sites and artifacts can be digitized and shared, transforming them into essential educational resources and case studies. This encourages us to harness digital technologies such as big data, blockchain, artificial intelligence, and cloud computing to intelligently unify educational resources, effectively merging online and offline learning experiences while connecting virtual and real-world contexts.
Expanding teaching methods through the internet is critical for effective political education. It’s essential to understand how to deliver impactful political lessons, as these courses play a pivotal role in shaping students’ beliefs and values. Continuous innovation in content, formats, and teaching strategies is vital. By employing advanced technologies like big data and artificial intelligence, we can analyze students’ learning behaviors and preferences, offering personalized learning plans. Exploring new teaching formats—such as case studies, inquiry-based learning, experiential methods, and interactive engagements—can significantly augment the effectiveness of political education.
Moreover, the internet serves as a crucial tool in enhancing the effectiveness of political lessons. At its heart, political education focuses on making compelling arguments and ensuring clarity in communication. By utilizing the internet as a platform, we can deepen the intellectual rigor, theoretical grounding, and relatability of political courses. For example, educators can share course materials online, facilitate discussions, and provide remote guidance, thereby engaging students more thoroughly with comprehensive academic analysis and persuasive theoretical insights. Additionally, technologies like virtual reality and augmented reality create immersive learning environments, allowing students to engage with historical narratives and cultural richness, sparking their interest in learning and fostering a sense of patriotism.
In recent years, the integration of internet technologies has led to the emergence of hybrid teaching platforms that blend online and offline experiences, making political education a more dynamic, intuitive, and relatable endeavor. By capitalizing on the extensive resources available through this social framework, we can cultivate a comprehensive educational environment that features engaging platforms, high-quality faculty, and a broadened scope of political education. By harnessing the “power of connectivity,” political education has the potential to become a more compelling and relevant experience for today’s students.
On October 1st, the main emblem for the world heritage site “Quanzhou: World Maritime Trade Center of Song and Yuan China” was officially unveiled at Wenmiao Square in Quanzhou, Fujian. This event underscores Quanzhou’s pivotal role in global maritime trade during the Song and Yuan dynasties.
During this era, Quanzhou transformed into a vibrant international port, drawing in merchants from around the globe with its diverse and prosperous trading scene. It became a unique fusion of traditional Chinese and maritime cultures, nurturing the rich Minan culture and the heritage of the maritime Silk Road. In 2021, Quanzhou earned its place on the UNESCO World Heritage List, recognized as the “World Maritime Trade Center of Song and Yuan China.”
In an exclusive interview, Quanzhou’s Mayor Cai Zhansheng shared his thoughts on the city’s ongoing commitment to preserving and revitalizing its cultural heritage since its inclusion on the World Heritage List three years ago. “We have been deeply committed to the comprehensive and systematic preservation and utilization of our cultural heritage,” he stated. The city strictly follows the guidelines set forth by the World Heritage Convention and is actively enforcing regulations for the protection of cultural relics. It’s noteworthy that Quanzhou’s ancient town has been designated as a model area for cultural heritage protection and utilization in China. UNESCO has commended Quanzhou for its effective promotion of world heritage, referring to its efforts as exhibiting a “power effect.”
The newly unveiled emblem, titled “Sailing with the Maritime Silk Road,” is an impressive stone sculpture measuring 4.53 meters in length, 1.9 meters in width, and 4.5 meters in height. It comprises various components, including the project name, the world heritage logo, a brief description of the heritage’s significance, and elements representing the maritime Silk Road. The thoughtful interplay of these elements creates a striking visual impact, symbolizing the spirit of the maritime Silk Road—embarking into new horizons while showcasing Quanzhou’s industrious and adventurous character as the starting point of the maritime silk route.
In closing, Mayor Cai emphasized that the unveiling ceremony is a chance for Quanzhou to further explore its cultural significance and articulate the value of its heritage. “We are committed to establishing a model city for the protection and utilization of world heritage, ensuring the orderly transmission of cultural heritage and the continued vitality of our historical narrative,” he affirmed.
On September 15, 2023, health news emerging from China highlighted several key developments in the medical and pharmaceutical industries that are worth noting.
**Industry Highlights:**
**Anhui Expands Traditional Medicine Procurement:**
On September 9, Anhui Province’s Huangshan Medical Insurance Bureau unveiled a draft for the centralized procurement of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for 2024. This initiative marks a significant milestone as it includes several over-the-counter TCM products and exclusive varieties for the first time. The Anhui Provincial Pharmaceutical Joint Procurement Office is currently seeking public feedback on the draft until September 22. The procurement plan encompasses 18 product categories and includes 35 distinct TCMs, such as Shenzhi Jiangtang and Siberian Ginseng, among other well-known remedies.
**U.S. House Passes Biosecurity Bill:**
On the evening of September 9, the U.S. House of Representatives voted on the Biosecurity Act (H.R. 8333), passing it with a vote tally of 306 in favor, 81 against, and 44 abstentions. The act, citing “national security,” imposes restrictions on partnerships between U.S. federal agencies and certain biotech firms, explicitly naming five Chinese companies, including BGI Group and WuXi AppTec.
**Five Departments Push for Comprehensive TCM Coverage:**
On September 13, five national departments in China, including the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine and the Ministry of Health, jointly released guidelines aimed at fostering the high-quality development of county-level TCM hospitals. The ambitious goal is for all county-level TCM hospitals to meet the criteria for a designated second-level hospital by 2030, with an interim target of 80% achieving this by 2025.
**COPD Added to Public Health Service Projects:**
The National Health Commission also announced on September 13 that Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) has been included in the basic public health service projects. This follows the prior recognition of hypertension and diabetes, making COPD the third chronic disease to receive formal acknowledgment.
**Propolis Oral Film Converts to Non-Prescription:**
On September 14, the National Medical Products Administration declared that propolis oral films would transition from a Class A non-prescription drug to a Class B non-prescription drug. This change aims to enhance public access to this medication.
**Corporate News:**
**Zhendong Pharma Faces Arbitration Claim:**
On September 9, Zhendong Pharmaceuticals disclosed that its former subsidiary, Langdi Company, is pursuing arbitration to claim 1.467 billion yuan in damages due to a contractual dispute over commissioned production. Zhendong acquired Langdi in 2016 for about 2.65 billion yuan and later sold it in 2021 for more than 5 billion yuan.
**Jingjie Bio’s IPO Termination:**
On September 11, Jingjie Biotechnology revealed that it, along with its sponsor CITIC Securities, has retracted its IPO application, effectively halting its listing efforts after being approved in January 2023. The company focuses on proteomics technology for drug development and clinical diagnostics.
**Kangzhi Pharma Estimates Typhoon Damage at 30 Million:**
On September 11, Kangzhi Pharmaceuticals reported damages estimated at around 30 million yuan to its production facility in Haikou due to Typhoon Mocha. The company is working to restore water and electricity services and is currently inspecting equipment to resume production.
**Drug and Device Approvals:**
**Bu Chang Pharma’s Medication Approvals:**
On September 10, Bu Chang Pharmaceuticals announced that its subsidiary, Shandong Danhong Pharmaceutical, received approval for Levetiracetam extended-release tablets. Additionally, Tonghua Guohong’s injection of Fasudil Hydrochloride also gained approval. Levetiracetam is utilized for treating partial-onset seizures in patients aged 12 and older.
**Kangnuo’s Innovative Antibody Approval:**
On September 12, Kangnuo’s new drug, Supalimumab injection, received market approval for treating moderate to severe atopic dermatitis in adults who are inadequately managed by topical therapies. This approval marks it as the first domestically approved IL-4Rα antibody medication.
**Hengrui Pharma’s Application Accepted:**
On September 13, Hengrui Pharma announced that its subsidiary, Suzhou Shengdiya Biopharmaceutical, had its application for the injection of Rizankumab accepted for priority review by the National Medical Products Administration.
**Public Sentiment Alerts:**
**Investigation into Former Hospital Director:**
On September 10, reports surfaced that He Shuming, the former party secretary of Xiaolan People’s Hospital—recognized as China’s first town-level “three A” hospital—is under investigation for serious disciplinary violations. He had been with the hospital since 2002 and became its director in 2011.
**Ruizhi Pharma Receives Warning from Regulatory Authority:**
On September 13, Ruizhi Pharmaceuticals announced it had received a warning letter from the Guangdong Securities Regulatory Commission over issues of non-compliance in goodwill impairment testing and inadequate internal controls, which have affected the accuracy of their financial reports.
In summary, the past week yielded significant developments in China’s healthcare sector, encompassing regulatory changes, corporate disputes, and notable approvals in pharmaceuticals and public health initiatives.
New York boasts an impressive lineup of over 400 restaurants featured in the Michelin Guide, showcasing a diverse array of dining experiences from upscale tasting menus to beloved family-run venues. Recently, 12 new restaurants have joined this prestigious list, highlighting everything from Nordic seafood to Filipino specialties.
As reported by Time Out, the Michelin Guide has been a culinary authority for the past 125 years, and it encompasses more than just star ratings. While more than 400 eateries have earned a spot in the guide, the anticipation for star designations will culminate this fall. Let’s take a closer look at the 12 newly recognized establishments:
1. **Blanc**: After a pandemic-induced closure, this acclaimed restaurant has made a triumphant return. Chef Victoria Blamey presents an exciting tasting menu featuring dishes such as oysters with calamansi butter, soft-shell crab bao, and sea scallops paired with sweet potato, all reflecting her innovative culinary style.
2. **Eulalie**: With a hint of old-world charm, this restaurant invites diners to savor Chef Chip Vaughn’s delightful four-course French meal, but be sure to call ahead for reservations.
3. **ILIS**: Co-founded by Noma’s Mads Refslynd, ILIS offers a unique “eco-chic” atmosphere with its Nordic-inspired sustainable dishes.
4. **La Bastide by Andrea Calstier**: This Westchester gem is led by the husband-and-wife duo of Chef Andrea Calstier and General Manager Elena Oliver, serving a sophisticated French tasting menu.
5. **Le B**: Garnering four stars from Forbes, Chef Angie Mar’s latest venture is a brilliant fusion of traditional Chinese flavors and haute French cuisine.
6. **Massara**: In this spot, Chef Stefano Secchi artfully presents Southern Italian cuisine, featuring tender octopus imported from Campania and bite-sized ravioli filled with creamy burrata.
7. **Penny**: Located in the East Village, this restaurant specializes in seasonal seafood. Diners should note that reservations open exactly one week in advance at 9 AM.
8. **Sailor**: British Chef April Bloomfield’s neighborhood tavern has earned accolades for its superb roast chicken, and it is a strong contender for a star in 2023.
9. **Sushi Sho**: This intimate sushi bar, with just eight seats near the New York Public Library, offers an exceptional omakase dining experience.
10. **Tadhanà**: Chef Frances Tariga, a former private chef for the Emirati royal family, showcases her creativity and the vibrant flavors of her native Philippines.
11. **Tha Phraya**: A paradise for Thai cuisine lovers, it features dishes such as Northern Thai sausage spring rolls, golden noodles, and Phuket-inspired curry.
12. **Ying Tao**: Named in honor of Chef Bolun Yao’s grandmother, this restaurant reinvents Chinese cuisine through a refined Western dining perspective.
A recent report from the Wall Street Journal reveals that City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams has accepted political donations from businessmen connected to the Adams bribery case. Many progressive Democrats view Williams as a potential candidate for acting mayor. In light of these allegations, a spokesperson for Williams characterized the donations as “routine interactions” with the community.
City election finance records show that earlier this year, Williams’s re-election campaign received a $5,000 contribution from Tolib Mansurov, a contractor based in Brooklyn, along with his employees. This isn’t the first time Mansurov has backed Williams; two years ago, he donated $10,000 during Williams’s unsuccessful primary bid for governor against Governor Kathy Hochul in June 2022.
Mansurov has been identified as “Businessman 4” in the recent federal indictment related to the Adams bribery case, although he has yet to face any criminal charges. The indictment alleges that Mansurov provided illegal compensation to four employees, guiding each to contribute $2,000 to Adams’s mayoral campaign. Notably, Mansurov himself made a $2,000 donation as well.
As an Uzbek-American, Mansurov has successfully organized events that celebrate his ethnic community’s cultural heritage, receiving support from Adams and his aides. The indictment also alleges that Adams intervened to lift a stop-work order on one of Mansurov’s construction projects, issued by the city’s Department of Buildings.
Williams’s spokesperson emphasized that his interactions with Mansurov are typical within the Uzbek community and stated, “We are unaware of any impropriety in his contributions to the mayor and have no reason to suspect any wrongdoing regarding the public advocate’s donations.”
In March, Williams partnered with Mansurov’s nonprofit organization, the Silk Road Foundation, to co-host a Ramadan breaking fast dinner, where Williams expressed his gratitude for Mansurov’s support during his speech.
Last week, Adams was charged with bribery and election fraud but has maintained his innocence. While some Democrats and political opponents are urging him to resign, Adams insists he will remain in office. As the public advocate since 2019, Williams holds a limited but significant role in overseeing city governance. According to the city charter, if the mayor were to resign or be removed from office, Williams would temporarily assume the mayoralty until a new election occurs.
During the annual dinner of the National Asian American Chamber of Commerce & Entrepreneurship (National ACE) on September 4th, three restaurants were awarded the top grant of $25,000 each. The proud owners of Nom Wah Nolita in New York, Pho Loan in Chicago, and Native Field in Walnut Creek, Bay Area, were thrilled to accept their checks. This funding is part of the continuing partnership between National ACE and Grubhub, now in its fourth year, which provides grants ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 to Asian American-owned restaurants through the AAPISTRONG Restaurant Fund. These grants are designed to support renovations, equipment upgrades, employee well-being initiatives, technology improvements, and marketing efforts.
From a pool of 5,000 applications this year, Nom Wah Nolita, Pho Loan, and Native Field emerged as the standout recipients for these prestigious grants. The dinner celebration served as a joyful occasion for the restaurant owners as they welcomed this significant financial support.
Zhiyu Lai, owner of Nom Wah Nolita, is a second-generation Chinese immigrant who was raised in New York. Seven years ago, he left his career in IT to pursue his entrepreneurial dreams alongside a friend. “I’ve always loved food, and dining at Chinese restaurants in Chinatown with my parents were some of my happiest memories growing up,” Zhiyu recalls. With many authentic restaurants closing their doors over the years, he and his friend decided to create their own. Despite facing challenges that come with restaurant management compared to a corporate job, Zhiyu finds immense satisfaction and fulfillment in his work. Inspired by his father, who ran a wholesale supply and seasoning business, Zhiyu said, “I watched him work hard every day, and if he could do it, so could I.”
Having successfully navigated over a decade in business and survived the COVID-19 pandemic, Nom Wah Nolita is now tackling new hurdles like rising costs and labor shortages. The AAPISTRONG Restaurant Fund will be instrumental in helping them sustain and grow their business. Zhiyu plans to use the grant to pay off a renovation loan for their kitchen and enhance marketing efforts to promote their catering services, aiming to share more about Chinese culture and cuisine with the community.
Pho Loan, operated by a Vietnamese immigrant couple, has a compelling backstory. Owner Loan Nguyen faced poverty in Vietnam, starting her working life at the tender age of ten selling street food. Despite limited educational opportunities, she pursued the American dream, arriving in the U.S. in 1995. Through a translator, the couple shared that before launching their restaurant, they spent 20 years running a nail salon. Due to Loan’s allergy to chemical beauty products, they transitioned to serving authentic Vietnamese cuisine, a venture they have enjoyed for over a decade. Their previous renovation efforts were interrupted by the pandemic, but they are determined to use this grant for another refurbishment to enhance their customers’ dining experience.
Cathleen “Cat” Castaneda, owner of Native Fields, is a Filipino chef hailing from Southern California. After completing her culinary arts degree at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York, she gained experience in prestigious restaurants before founding Native Fields in 2018. The restaurant focuses on serving organic food and honors her late father, Marcel Castaneda, who died due to complications from cancer.
Together, these restaurant owners embody resilience and dedication in the face of adversity, working tirelessly to preserve their culinary traditions while making valuable contributions to their communities.
On October 1st, the “Regulations for the Protection of the Shuanghua Tree Site in Zhengzhou” officially went into effect, marking a significant milestone in legal protections for this remarkable site, which boasts a history spanning 5,300 years tied to the ancient “He Luo Kingdom.”
Nestled in Gongyi City within Zhengzhou, the Shuanghua Tree site represents a crucial archaeological find from the later phase of China’s Yangshao culture. Experts confirm that this carefully selected urban settlement dates back approximately 5,300 years and is often described as the “embryo of early Chinese civilization.” Its importance has been recognized both as one of the “Top Ten Archaeological Discoveries in China for 2020” and as part of the “Hundred Great Archaeological Discoveries of the Century in China.”
The newly instituted regulations, structured into 27 articles, mirror the unique characteristics of the local area. They establish a comprehensive management framework that involves Zhengzhou City, Gongyi City, and the local town, under the guidance of cultural heritage administration. The regulations clearly delineate the responsibilities of multiple departments—including education, public security, finance, natural resources planning, ecological environment, and urban construction—in the preservation of the Shuanghua Tree site.
These regulations identify the site’s protection targets, designate protected areas, and outline prohibited activities within both the protection and construction control zones. They also implement a tiered protection strategy tailored to the specific features of different zones.
In addition, the regulations introduce a safety supervision system, daily inspection protocols, and regional protective measures. The designated protection entity is mandated to create emergency response plans and elevate the frequency of inspections. Furthermore, the managing organization is required to set up a digital information management system to intelligently monitor the site’s condition and its surrounding environment. Community-based cultural heritage protection organizations are encouraged to boost public awareness and promote practices that safeguard the site.
On the topic of revitalizing and utilizing resources from the Shuanghua Tree site, the regulations advocate for educational institutions, research organizations, and scholars to investigate the site’s cultural significance and contemporary relevance. They also support the use of archaeological parks and museums for educational, teaching, and research-oriented social practice activities. The Gongyi City government is expected to create a multifaceted operational mechanism to promote the sustainable use of the site’s cultural relics and foster a distinctive cultural and tourism industry.
“In recent years, we have made significant strides through ongoing excavations at the Shuanghua Tree site,” stated Gu Wanfa, Director of the Zhengzhou Cultural Relics Bureau. He highlighted that the new regulations will bolster protection, management, and usage of the site, ensuring its authenticity and integrity while enhancing its status as a symbol of Chinese civilization and driving high-quality development through strong legal safeguards.
