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Posted on 10/01/2005 8:27:27 AM PDT by nwctwx
Note: The following post is an exact quote:
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http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1502647/posts
FBI looking for more suspects in scheme to steal Katrina funds
ap on Bakersfield Californian ^ | 10/14/05 | AP
Posted on 10/14/2005 2:38:55 PM PDT by NormsRevenge
FRESNO, Calif. (AP) - The FBI is looking for four more suspects involved in an alleged scheme to steal American Red Cross funds intended for victims of Hurricane Katrina, authorities said Friday.
Elizabeth Ray, 48, Harold Oats, 26, David Candelaria, 37, and Marietta Snowden, 48, have not been arrested, but they were indicted Thursday along with eleven other Bakersfield residents suspected in the alleged wire fraud scheme, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office in Fresno. The eleven others were arrested earlier this month.
Authorities believe the suspects submitted fake claims through a Katrina relief call center in Bakersfield. Seven of the suspects worked at the center while the others knew someone there.
Scott said he expects to make more arrests.
"Those who would victimize charitable organizations such as the Red Cross, whose purpose is to provide assistance to victims of natural disasters such as Hurricane Katrina, are hereby on notice that they will be ferreted out and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law," Scott said in a statement.
If convicted, each defendant faces up 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, authorities said.
I have not really kept up-to-date on the bird flu. However, in reading this one article it seems that the reported incidents are still under investigation and they are not confirmed cases of bird flu. Has anyone found a site that showed the actual number of cases and the actual number of deaths per country and per state in the US tracked on a monthly basis?
http://news.google.com/news?hl=en&ned=us&q=ecstasy&ie=UTF-8
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http://www.skagitvalleyherald.com/articles/2005/10/14/news/news04.txt
"Sergeant’s tip leads to big drug bust"
By Skagit Valley Herald staff
ARTICLE SNIPPET: "Four people have been arrested and are charged in U.S. District Court in Seattle with conspiracy to distribute cocaine and conspiracy to distribute ecstasy.
The DEA didn’t release the defendants’ names.
The bust was the largest drug seizure that the Oak Harbor Police Department has participated in, police Chief Stephen Almon said. Sterkel is a 30-year veteran with the department."
Note: The following post is an exact quote:
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http://www.dea.gov/pubs/pressrel/pr101305a.html
News Release [print-friendly page]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: DEA Public Affairs
Number: 202-307-7977
October 13, 2005
Major Cocaine, Meth and
Money Laundering Organization Dismantled
More than 592 Kilos of Cocaine and over $8 Million in Cash Seized
OCT 13-- (Atlanta, GA) –U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Administrator Karen P. Tandy today announced the culmination of the first phase of Operation Long Whine. This Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation, coordinated by DEA’s Special Operations Division, targeted a major methamphetamine and cocaine trafficking organization, and thus far has resulted in the arrest of 28 individuals, the seizure of over $8 million dollars in U.S. Currency, 40 lbs. of “Ice” methamphetamine and over 592 kilos of cocaine. Operation Long Whine marks the second round of success in DEA’s “Money Trail Initiative,” an innovative financial crime strategy that attacks the financing of the illegal drug trade in order to dismantle major drug trafficking organizations.
On October 12, 2005, the DEA’s Atlanta Strike Force Group One executed 16 federal search warrants, resulting in the dismantling of a significant, Mexico based, drug trafficking organization (DTO) known to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine to many major cities in the U.S. During the course of these warrants, a meth “Ice” conversation lab was found by the DEA with more than 2 lbs. of processed “Ice” methamphetamine. The individuals arrested today are charged in federal court with distribution of methamphetamine and cocaine and conspiracy.
“For drug traffickers, it’s all about the money. To decimate the drug trade, we are following drug money back to its source, targeting the laundering networks, and eliminating the profits that fuel drug trafficking gangs. DEA will continue to pursue investigations like Operation Long Whine, taking apart drug cartels by bankrupting them,” said Administrator Tandy.
Based on information discovered during the course of the investigation, the Atlanta-based cell of the Mexican DTO is alleged to have trafficked hundreds of kilos of cocaine and pounds of methamphetamine into the United States. They are also alleged to have laundered millions of dollars of proceeds from the trafficking of these drugs, often attempting to transport the laundered money by smuggling it in vehicles back into Mexico to fund their criminal enterprise.
The investigation identified an individual known only as “GOTTI” to law enforcement, as the leader of a Metro Atlanta-based cell of this drug trafficking organization, responsible for managing the distribution of drugs and the collection of drug proceeds. GOTTI allegedly coordinated the receipt and distribution of drugs from Mexico to Atlanta. GOTTI also coordinated the collection and shipment of drug proceeds from cities along the East Coast to Atlanta, and then back to Mexico. The organization is alleged to have transported more than 100 kilograms of cocaine per week, often using smaller shipments in order to minimize the impact of law enforcement seizures. The operations utilized car carriers hauling vehicles with false compartments filled with drugs, and at least in one instance, used a tractor trailer hauling pork shoulders and other livestock portions to conceal large quantities of cash.
The following 22 defendants were charged in the indictment, which was returned by a federal grand jury on October 11, 2005: FNU LNU (first name unknown and last name unknown) a/k/a “GOTTI;” FNU LNU, a/k/a “JAIME;” FNU LNU, a/k/a “LICENCIADO” and “GORDO;” LUIS ANTONIO RAMIREZ CARDENAS, a/k/a “TONO” and “GORDITO;” FNU LNU, a/k/a “SERGIO 1” and “ENGINERO;” FNU LNU, a/k/a, “SERGIO 2" and “EL SOBRINO;” FNU LNU, a/k/a “WILLY;” FNU LNU, a/k/a “SOPE;” YOLANDA BOJORQUEZ, a/k/a/ “YOLI;” MARCO AURELIO DELEON, a/k/a “GORDITO;” HECTOR MANUEL VILLAFORTE BARRIENTOS; EDGAR DELACRUZ CASWED; KEVIN ROBINSON; FNU LNU, a/k/a “ANDY;” FNU LNU, a/k/a “CHILE;” JUAN ARTURO NAMUR-MONTALVO, a/k/a "CAULIFLOWER;" FERNANDO ROSALES BONILLA; FNU LNU, a/k/a CHEJO; FNU LNU, a/k/a “JOSE ALFREDO;” BRYANT RODRIGUEZ; ANA MARIE ORREGO; and KEVIN FRANKLIN. 11 individual defendants were charged in criminal complaints filed on October 12 th-13 th2005. Five individuals indicted are still fugitives from the law.
Approximately 200 law enforcement officers participated in this OCDETF operation, including officers from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), United States Marshals Service; Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms and Explosives (ATF); U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE); and a number of local law enforcement agencies. The case is being prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office in the Northern District of Georgia.
Note: The following post is an exact quote:
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http://www.dea.gov/pubs/pressrel/pr101305.html
News Release [print-friendly page]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: DEA Public Affairs
Number: 202-307-7977
October 13, 2005
Powerful Detroit Drug Ringleader Collared
Detroit-area Crook Captured After 15 Years of Elusion
OCT 13--(Detroit, MI) – Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent in Charge (SAC), Robert L. Corso, today announced the arrest of Anthony Michael Clark, the ringleader of a powerful, Detroit based, drug trafficking organization (DTO), which has operated in the Detroit area for more than 15 years. Clark has eluded arrest by from law enforcement hiding behind his lieutenants and using multiple cell phones to coordinate his illegitimate business. Clark has been known as the most powerful and violent narcotics trafficker in Detroit since the era of Young Boys Incorporated (YBI) and Best Friends in late 1980's and early 1990's. Clark has been able to maintain his organization through the use of intimidation and violence and is thought to be associated with numerous murders.
“For 15 years, Michael Clark has hid in the shadows desperately trying to further his marijuana trade through cold-blooded acts of murder. With his arrest communities face a brighter day free from the terror caused by his drug trafficking organization,” said SAC Corso.
Clark’s reach extends over U.S. borders. Over the past year, intelligence gathered by DEA’s Detroit and New York Divisions revealed that the Clark DTO has been directly involved with supplying Mexican cocaine and marijuana to drug organizations in the U.S.
In January 2005, DEA was able to infiltrate the Clark DTO when a confidential source’s involvement in the case provided investigators with probable cause needed to seize one of Clark’s cellular telephones. DEA also identified two Arizona marijuana sources of supply and members of their organization. Further information led DEA to uncover a connection between Clark and a significant Arizona marijuana source of supply, indicating that a large amount of marijuana was being transported from Arizona to Detroit.
Just last month, DEA Special Agents indicted 15 defendants related to this case on drug charges and seized approximately 1,156 pounds of marijuana discovered inside a tractor-trailer.
As part of this investigation, the DEA has seized more than 1300 pounds of marijuana, over 100 kilograms of cocaine, and approximately $2 million dollars in cash and other assets.
This investigation would not have been possible without the combined effort of the Detroit Federal Bureau of Investigations Violent Crime Task Force and the United States Marshal’s Service.
http://mensnewsdaily.com/blog/kouri/2005/10/invasion-usa-capturing-seafaring.html
Jim Kouri is Vice President of the
National Association of Chiefs of Police
Friday, October 14, 2005
"Invasion USA: Capturing Seafaring Illegal Aliens"
by Jim Kouri, CPP
ARTICLE SNIPPT: "The United States Naval Base, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, has supported a migrant operations program for the US government for many years. Currently, the migrant operations program at the USNB is a joint effort of the Department of State and the Department of Homeland Security. The Department of Defense serves as a host to the Migrant Operations Center (MOC) by providing infrastructure and resource support.
The MOC is not connected in any way with the DOD’s detention mission also located at USNB.
Most migrants who eventually arrive at USNB are interdicted at sea in the Caribbean region by the US Coast Guard. On rare occasions, migrants arrive at USNB directly, either by land or sea. Interdicted migrants are not brought to the United States, in order to discourage illegal and dangerous voyages by sea and to encourage future migrants to pursue safe and legal migration options."
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_2101.html
PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman
This information is current as of today, Fri Oct 14 2005 15:32:07 GMT-0700.
Iraq
October 13, 2005
This Public Announcement advises Americans of the steps announced by the Iraqi government for the period before and after the October 15 Constitutional Referendum, as well as the Department of State’s concerns about the security environment surrounding the upcoming referendum. This Public Announcement supplements the Travel Warning of June 28, 2005, and expires on November 14, 2005.
The Government of Iraq has declared a holiday for the four days from October 13 (Thursday) through October 16 (Sunday), including Referendum Day, October 15 (Saturday). Government ministries and offices will be closed during this entire period. During this four-day period, there will be a curfew, meaning that no travel or movement will be permitted during evening and night hours. The exact hours of the curfew will be announced by the Government of Iraq at a later time. There may be restrictions on vehicle movement during non-curfew hours, which will also be announced later. During this four-day period, airports will be closed for commercial passenger flights. All land border crossings with neighboring countries also will be closed.
During this period, the potential for increased violence remains extremely high. The Department of State continues to strongly warn U.S. citizens against travel to Iraq and remains concerned about the continued threat of terrorist attacks against U.S. citizens and interests in Iraq. Terrorists do not distinguish between official and civilian targets. In the lead-up to the referendum, the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad has instructed official Americans throughout Iraq to limit their travel as much as possible. The Department of State recommends that all Americans living and working in Iraq take similar steps to limit their movements, observe the strictest of security measures, and defer any unnecessary travel around the country.
The U.S. Embassy is located in the International Zone. The Embassy can provide only limited emergency services to U.S. citizens in Iraq. At present, travel to and from the International Zone is extremely limited. American citizens who choose to visit or reside in Iraq despite this Public Announcement and the current Travel Warning are urged to pay close attention to their personal security and to inform the U.S. Embassy of their presence in Iraq. All Americans in Iraq are strongly encouraged to register with the Embassy at the following website: http://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/home.asp.
American citizens may obtain the latest security information or other information about Iraq by calling the U.S. Embassy, located in the International Zone, at: 1-240-553-0584, ext. 5340 or ext. 5635, or Iraqna cellular phones: 7901-732-134 or 7901-168-383 or by E-mail: usconsulbaghdad@state.gov or via the U.S. Embassy’s website: http//iraq.usembassy.gov. In the event of an extreme emergency after hours, please call – 1-914-822-5493.
Updated information on travel and security in Iraq may be obtained from the Department of State by calling 1-888-407-4747 within the United States, or, from overseas, 1-202-501-4444. For further information, please consult the Consular Information Sheet for Iraq, the current Worldwide Caution and the Middle East and North Africa Public Announcements, all of which are available on the Bureau of Consular Affairs website at http://travel.state.gov.
No they are different. The Hong Kong flu was the last major world wide pandemic, IIRC.
"To weaponize a flu that still hasn't reached the human-human mutation and only barely animal-human is likely beyond most technologies."
There are ways of pushing a virus in either direction through generations, to less dangerous or more dangerous forms. Obviously much work is underfoot to push it to a more harmless form as well as develope vaccines quickly.
This H5N1 has a very high mortality in birds and mammals and has a track record of jumping species. It unfortunately isn't beyond the technology of many nefarious governments (such as Cuba*) to push it into a bioweapon and bioengineering is very hot in the universities (and too often they have shown in admission or hiring of potential terrorists a glaring lack of scruples ) but any avian flu that has jumped species is a threat without such tampering as precedence to mutate into a human to human variant shows.
We are in a race against time but we can't assume the seconds on the clock will be of the regular interval (with a regular herald wave that will allow for more vaccine production) or whether they will be sped up by either global travel or man made tampering.
*Cuban Docs are the backbone in the medical communities of many third world countries.
Could be, I'm a geologist, not a geneticist. But I don't assess terror groups having the capability to do such things. Capable of already established diseases, but I doubt that they are behind the current virus on everyone's radar.
"Would it be nuts to think the jihadi's would use the flu
as a bio weapon?"
Yeah, I think it might be a little nutty to think they have weaponized flu or even the natural H5N1 or a weaponized 1918 version but I don't think it is nutty to be concerned about North Korea, Iran, Cuba or any Banana Republic with sectors under Chinese or Russian control using any form of any WMD in opportune manner.
"Why is it so important for the left to talk people out of getting the shot?"
The left has long been on the population control bandwagon and the flu is mother nature's culling machine and a pandemic is a societal destabilizer extraordinaire.
This whole flu scare is to drum up sales for the drug companies...they are sold out of flu medicine til 2007 now...
"My doctor told me that I should NOT be getting a flu shot until I'm in my late 50's and that's ten years away. I may get one this year, anyway. Just in case."
Get one. If the H5N1 does spread, it will be hard for the Docs to differentiate between plain old flu and this killing machine until it's too late. If you do get sick and you've had the flu shot you stand a better chance of getting more aggressive treatment to stop the cytokine storm H5N1 triggers as they will rule out plain old flu as the culprit. If you don't get the shot they will most likely wait and see what happens for another day or so and you'll have a 60% chance of being a goner if you are in your prime, hardy and hale.
http://content.nejm.org/content/vol352/issue18/images/large/02f3.jpeg
"Has anyone found a site that showed the actual number of cases and the actual number of deaths per country and per state in the US tracked on a monthly basis?
I think someone posted a site set up just for this in our country...it might have been a U of MN related one on the Avian Flu surveillence thread:
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1399613/posts
Checking-in, catching-up, hopelessly behind bookmark
promedmail.org
that is the best for info that is the fact on disease of the world.
I don't know what I have from them at Yahoo, will check when I get awake again.
"Why is it so important for the left to talk people out of getting the
shot?"
The left has long been on the population control bandwagon and the
flu is mother nature's culling machine and a pandemic is a societal
destabilizer extraordinaire.<<<<<<
Thank you for putting it in the correct context and making sense of it all.
your above, fits the feeling that I get from the left, I turned off Dr. Mark Segal of CNN fame, he was on the Coast to Coast AM show last night, saying that it was 6 to 8 generations away from infecting humans and it was all a plot of the Bush gang, but Noory was eating it up.
As I have long thought abortions were more than helping some working girl, it is easy to take it to the next step....
Most do not know that Iran and Cuba are partners in research labs, or that China and Russia still have bases on Cuba.
Then there are all the missing scientists and the dead ones.
Yes, any disease, can be spread.
The Palestine terrorists use diseased blood soaked nails for the killing of the Jews. Murder is down to an art now.
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