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Category: Police

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Safeguarding Queensland’s iconic Great Barrier Reef and waterways

    Source: Tasmania Police

    Issued: 20 May 2025

    A bold new collaboration is set to transform water quality monitoring, analysis and publication across the Great Barrier Reef and South-east Queensland (SEQ) catchments.

    The Queensland Government is teaming up with leading universities to form the new Catchment Water Quality Alliance.

    The University of Queensland’s (UQ) Reef Catchments Science Partnership and James Cook University’s (JCU) TropWATER will work with the Queensland Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI) to safeguard precious waterways, undertaking water quality monitoring across Queensland.

    The Alliance aims to assist communities and organisations take better care of Queensland ecosystems. This will be achieved by improving water quality monitoring, innovative data sharing platforms and engaging regional stakeholders.

    The water quality monitoring data will be used for a range of purposes including reporting on the health of the waterways, rivers and reef and guiding best practice for improving catchment management initiatives across Queensland.

    The collaboration will also allow for a deeper exploration of data that has been collected over the past 20 years.

    The efforts of the Alliance will build on work already underway such as the Great Barrier Reef Catchment Loads Monitoring Program (GBRCLMP) and the South East Queensland (SEQ) Catchments Water Quality Monitoring Program.

    GBRCLMP involves First Nations, industry and Natural Resource Management (NRM) groups as well as landholders to undergo comprehensive training, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to track long-term trends in catchment health, while fostering a deep understanding of local waterways.

    The South East Queensland (SEQ) Catchments Water Quality Monitoring Program is essential for identifying sediment and nutrient sources and guiding resource management.

    Queensland Chief Scientist Professor Kerrie Wilson said this collaborative initiative will play a vital role in protecting Queensland’s iconic ecosystems and ensure the resilience of the Great Barrier Reef and SEQ catchments for generations to come.

    “By harnessing scientific expertise from both government and academia, and using innovative approaches in Reef and SEQ catchment areas, it will help us to stay at the forefront of water quality assessment,” Professor Wilson said.

    “The Alliance will help to provide the science and real-world data to inform environmental decision-makers.”

    JCU TropWATER Director Professor Damien Burrows said TropWATER brings over three decades of experience working with growers, graziers and governments to monitor and improve water quality in the Great Barrier Reef.

    “Being based in North Queensland, close to reef catchments, gives us a unique ability to respond quickly to local weather events to capture critical data that feeds directly into government datasets – building a clearer, more regionally informed picture of water quality issues,” he said.

    “Our strength is not just in monitoring, but in how we work with communities. We focus on communicating the science clearly and directly to growers and regional groups, allowing the data to be understood and used where it matters most.

    “With Alliance staff based in Townsville, we’re well positioned to connect local insights, water quality science and decision-making. This partnership will enhance how data, communication and collaboration can drive water quality solutions.”

    University of Queensland Head of the School of Environment, Professor Steve Chenoweth said UQ is excited to be joining the Alliance.

    “It’s a new model for how universities can work more effectively with government,” he said.

    “Not only is it an opportunity to focus our world-leading scientific capability on delivering what’s needed for Queensland’s outstanding catchments and reefs, the Alliance also offers unique training opportunities for Queensland’s future environmental scientists who will be better equipped to understand how they can deliver real-world impacts.”

    MIL OSI News –

    May 22, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Appeal for information on missing man in Cheung Sha Wan (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Police today (May 21) appealed to the public for information on a man who went missing in Cheung Sha Wan.

         Tsai Muk-lun, aged 61, went missing after he left his caring home on Castle Peak Road, Cheung Sha Wan on May 19 afternoon. Staff of the caring home made a report to Police yesterday (May 20).

         He is about 1.7 metres tall, 60 kilograms in weight and of medium build. He has a round face with yellow complexion and short black hair. He was last seen wearing a blue T-shirt, shorts with floral patterns and black sports shoes.

         Anyone who knows the whereabouts of the missing man or may have seen him is urged to contact the Regional Missing Person Unit of Kowloon West on 3661 8036 or 9020 6542 or email to rmpu-kw@police.gov.hk, or contact any police station.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    May 22, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Summer safety campaign revving up to target nuisance bikes

    Source: City of Stoke-on-Trent

    Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s ASB Team and Staffordshire Police are going full throttle on nuisance bikes, as the warmer months approach.

    Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s ASB Team and Staffordshire Police are going full throttle on nuisance bikes, as the warmer months approach.
     

    The safety campaign forms part of Operation Transom. The joint operation targets riders who damage green spaces and put the public at risk through the use of off-road motorbikes, electric bikes (e-bikes) and electric scooters (e-scooters) when not used lawfully.

    The summer safety campaign will also serve as educational reminders for how best to use the vehicles and will see increased council and police presence at known hot spots across the city.

    E-scooter users are reminded:
    The rules for motor vehicles also apply to e-scooters, including the need for a licence and insurance.

    There are only two ways to use an e-scooter: by privately owning one or by renting one through an authorised rental scheme.

    It is illegal to use e-scooters on the road or in public spaces such as parks, pavements and shopping centres.

    You can only use an e-scooter on private land, such as in a garden.

    If you breach the rules when using an e-scooter, you could face a fixed penalty notice – This is the same as driving a car with no insurance and having your driving license endorsed. Your e-scooter will also be seized and crushed.
     

    E-bike users are reminded:
    You can ride an e-bike without a license or insurance if you are 14 years old and over.

    If your e-bike fails to meet requirements (must have only two wheels, have an electric motor that can run at no more than 250 watts and a max speed of 15.5 mph), it must be taxed and insured as a motorcycle or moped.

    You can ride your e-bike on a cycle path or anywhere else where pedal bikes are allowed. They cannot be ridden on pavements.

    Off-road bike users are reminded:
    Riding an off-road bike on the road is a criminal offence.

    Off-road bikes can only be ridden on private land.

    Off-road bikes must be taxed and insured the same as any other vehicle and the rider must hold the appropriate driving licence and relevant CBT certificate.

    Councillor Majid Khan, cabinet member for Safe and Resilient Communities for Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “This campaign will highlight the dangers these bikes can cause, not only to the rider, but to the local area and residents.

    “Our ASB Team will work collaboratively with Staffordshire Police to target hot spot areas and take action where essential, but it’s also important the owners and users know the rules and laws associated with owning such vehicles.

    “Don’t waste your money. If you don’t have the appropriate land usage, insurances and licences, the vehicle will be taken away from you and action taken against you.

    “Every one of us has the right to live in a cleaner, greener and safer city.”

    So far this year, Staffordshire Police have seized 34 nuisance bikes. Nine off-road bikes and 25 e-bikes.

    Inspector Chris Moss, from Staffordshire Police’s road crime team, said: “Officers have worked with partners to take 34 nuisance bikes off the streets, and more will be coming.
     

    “We know the impact that nuisance bikes can have on local people and businesses, and how important it is for us to work proactively in local communities to tackle the issues that affect people the most.
     

    “People who ride bikes dangerously are putting themselves and others at risk, and we want to make it clear that we’re committed along with our partners to taking decisive action against those responsible across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent”.

    In addition to the overall safety messages, increased concerns also lie with counterfeit lithium batteries, which pose a major fire risk.

    To report nuisance bikes in your area to Operation Transom, please email operationtransom@stoke.gov.uk. You can also ring 01782 233400. Please provide as much detail as possible.

    Incidents that are happening live should be reported directly to Staffordshire Police through the live chat on the website www.staffordshire.police.uk or by calling 101. In the case of an emergency, please call 999.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    May 21, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ9: Asbestos cement pipes

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    LCQ9: Asbestos cement pipes 
    Question:
     
         According to government information, the use of asbestos cement pipes in Hong Kong has been discontinued since January 1986, but such pipes still exist in the existing water supply systems. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
     
    (1) of the length of asbestos cement pipes in Hong Kong’s water supply systems at present and the districts in which such pipes are mainly located;
     
    (2) given the potential danger of asbestos to human health, whether the authorities will consider giving priority to replacing the existing asbestos cement pipes; if so, of their plans; if not, the reasons for that; and
     
    (3) as it is learnt that the authorities need to carry out works involving asbestos-containing materials in a safe manner pursuant to the law, whether the authorities engage outsourced contractors to handle works involving asbestos cement pipes; of the costs incurred by the Government in handling works involving asbestos cement pipes in the past three years?
     
    Reply:
     
    President,
     
         When designing the water supply network, the Water Supplies Department (WSD) would use various types of pipe materials according to the needs at the material time. Among them, asbestos cement (AC) pipes has been widely used in Hong Kong and other countries in the past because they could withstand greater internal water pressure and have good heat resistance and chemical corrosion resistance. Asbestos containing materials pose no health risk as long as they remain intact and undisturbed. The WSD later found that pipes made of this materials were relatively more brittle when serving as external wall and were more likely to burst or leak when impacted by external forces (such as arising from nearby road excavation works). Therefore, the WSD has discontinued to use AC pipes in pipe laying and maintenance since January 1986, and progressively replaced them with more durable ductile iron pipes or steel pipes under the relevant water main improvement programmes or during repairing works for water main burst incidents, with a view to reducing the risk of water main bursts or leaks.
     
         The replies to various parts of the Hon Lam’s question are as follows:  

    (1) As of now, there are about 130 kilometres long AC pipes still in service, accounting for about 1.5 per cent of Hong Kong’s 8 500 km long water supply network. They are distributed in different districts in Hong Kong as follows:
     

    CategoriesMIL-OSI

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    District(2) According to the Health Information about Asbestos published by the Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health, asbestos fibres are generally bound into the base material matrix. Under normal circumstances, only extremely small quantity of asbestos fibres, if any, can be released.
     
         The use of asbestos-containing cement pipes has been more common in earlier decades. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported in 2021 that there was no evidence to support that ingesting asbestos in drinking water poses potential risk to human health. Therefore, the WHO has not established a guideline value for asbestos fibres in drinking water, and considers such standards to be neither appropriate nor necessary.
     
         The WSD is implementing a risk-based asset management programme for water mains by introducing factors such as age of use, materials, past records of bursts or leaks, surrounding environment, consequences of bursts or leaks, for assessing the risk of water main bursts or leaks so as to accord priority to improving specific sections of water mains with higher risk, including replacement or rehabilitation of them, with a view to reducing the risk of water main bursts or leaks for the water supply network overall. As mentioned above, since AC pipes are relatively brittle and more likely to burst or leak when impacted by external forces, the WSD has increased the risk weighting factor for AC pipes in order to speed up the replacement or rehabilitation of these water mains, aiming to reducing the risk of water main bursts and the impact on the community. The above improvement measures are based on considering the risk of pipe bursting rather than health or drinking water safety risks posed by AC pipes.
     
         Those AC pipes currently assessed as higher-risk are mainly located on busy traffic routes. To expedite the replacement of ageing water mains, including AC pipes, the WSD has set up an inter-departmental task force headed by the Director of Water Supplies and composed of representatives from departments including the Development Bureau, the Transport Department, the Highways Department, the Hong Kong Police Force, the Environmental Protection Department, the Home Affairs Department, etc, to discuss and formulate temporary traffic arrangements and implementation programme for the replacement of water mains, so as to formulate plans as early as possible to minimise the impacts of the projects on traffic and the public.

    (3) The handling, removal, transportation and disposal of AC pipes in the water supply network are regulated under relevant ordinances, including the Factories and Industrial Undertakings Ordinance (Cap. 59) and the Air Pollution Control Ordinance (Cap. 311), to safeguard the occupational safety and health of workers engaged in asbestos-related works. The WSD mandates through works contract provisions that contractors must fully comply with all asbestos-related legislation and codes of practice, ensuring the AC pipes are safely handled, removed, transported, and disposed of in accordance with statutory requirements. All contractors and their workers must comply with the requirements of the relevant ordinances and the safety and health codes of practice and practical guidelines issued by the Labour Department when carrying out the works related to asbestos. This includes requiring the contractors to adopt control measures and provide personal protective equipment at the workplace, and employing competent persons to supervise the effective implementation of these measures.
     
         During the implementation of the above works, the WSD will monitor the contractor’s construction procedures to ensure that the relevant ordinances and codes in carrying out AC pipe works are followed.
     
         Over the past three years, the project cost of the WSD in handling AC pipes (including the costs of handling, removal, transportation and disposal, etc) was about $31.7 million per year on average.
    Issued at HKT 17:48

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    May 21, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Dangerous weapons to be taken off our streets

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Dangerous weapons to be taken off our streets

    More dangerous weapons will be removed from our streets through a new government surrender scheme in partnership with the Coalition to Tackle Knife Crime.

    Throughout July, knife crime activist and member of the government’s coalition, Faron Paul, will drive across London, the West Midlands and Greater Manchester in a purpose-built and fully secure van, encouraging young people to hand over dangerous and illegal weapons safely.

    This is the government’s most ambitious weapons surrender scheme to date and will also see a major expansion of anonymous surrender bins in partnership with knife crime charity Words4Weapons.  The Home Office is funding 37 new surrender bins across London, the West Midlands and Greater Manchester – the three highest areas of knife crime in England and Wales.

    Part of the government’s Plan for Change, these initiatives will give young people more options where they can securely hand over weapons, without needing to go to a police station, helping to keep our streets safer and take more weapons out of communities.

    Young people will also be encouraged to hand in all types of weapons, including Ninja swords – which will be banned in full from 1 August.

    Policing and Crime Minister Dame Diana Johnson said: 

    This government is taking a different approach to tackling knife crime — one rooted in partnership with those who have first-hand experience of this devastating crime. 

    We are committed to halving knife crime within a decade as part of our Plan for Change — and that demands bold, radical action. 

    That is why we formed the Coalition to Tackle Knife Crime, not as a talking shop, but as a genuine, working partnership and these new initiatives are a direct result of that collaboration. I’m deeply grateful to Faron Paul and Sandra Campbell for their leadership in driving them forward. 

    We know that young people involved in crime can have complex pasts and often deep-rooted mistrust in authority, and I truly believe it’s this kind of collaboration that will save young lives.

    Faron Paul is an anti-knife crime campaigner and CEO of Faz Amnesty, who survived two life-threatening knife attacks and now does vital work in helping young people hand in knives. He also acts as a mentor to young people caught in the vicious cycle of carrying knives. Faron uses social media to raise awareness of the consequences of carrying knives.  The surrender van being driven across the country will be fully purpose-built to ensure it is safe and secure and police officers will be on hand for additional support and security. 

    Faron Paul, CEO of Faz Amnesty said:  

    The launch of the UK’s first-ever amnesty van is a historic moment — not just for FazAmnesty, but for communities across the country. In partnership with the Home Office, this van allows us to take our mission directly to the people, giving them a safe, secure, and discreet way to hand in offensive weapons. For years, we’ve worked tirelessly to remove knives and other weapons from our streets, and this van is a major step forward in that mission. It’s more than just a vehicle — it’s a symbol of hope, change, and second chances. This is about saving lives, protecting our communities, and breaking the cycle of violence. I’m incredibly proud of how far we’ve come — and this is only the beginning.

    The Home Office has partnered with surrender charity, Words4Weapons, to manufacture these bins. Words4Weapons already have several weapons bins placed across London, Hertfordshire and Sheffield, and help to connect young people with local services to access the best possible help. 

    The scheme will also include a limited compensation offering for Ninja swords handed in ahead of the ban on 1 August. Any members of the public wishing to surrender a Ninja sword in exchange for compensation will need to safely take the weapon to one of the designated police stations.

    Any member of the public found with one of these weapons following 1 August will be breaking the law and could face time in prison. 

    Sandra Campbell, CEO of Words4 Weapons said: 

    We are proud to partner with the Home Office on what is the most ambitious weapons surrender initiative to date. These bespoke Word 4 Weapons bins will provide communities with safe and anonymous disposal options. Each bin represents a proactive step towards saving lives and helping to restore neighbourhood trust. By making weapon disposals more accessible, we are not just removing dangerous items from the streets but supporting individuals to make alternative choices. We are grateful for the government’s support and pleased to contribute to this vital national initiative.

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    Updates to this page

    Published 21 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    May 21, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Quick march to the Leeds Armed Forces Festival

    Source: City of Leeds

    The Leeds Armed Forces Festival is back for a second year with an extravaganza of themed activities taking place leading up to Armed Forces Day itself at the end of next month.

    The festival, hosted by the Lord Mayor of Leeds, is a chance for everyone to show their support for the men and women who make up our armed forces community, from currently serving troops and service families, to reservists, veterans, and cadets.

    Everyone in Leeds is invited to participate, and there is something to suit all tastes.

    Highlights of the festival include the Lotherton Hall 1940’s weekend, special exhibitions at the Royal Armouries; a Commonwealth War Graves tour; Tea and Talk at Temple Newsam; a curator talk and object handling event at Leeds Discovery Centre, and various social history club events at Leeds Museum at various time s and dates in June, July and August.

    Returning for a second year is the popular special tour of the Thackray Museum of Medicine, focusing on the building’s role as a military hospital in the First World War and the ever-popular singing group, the D-Day Darlings, will also be presenting their explosive new show for VE and VJ Day at City Varieties.

    The centrepiece of the festival will be the main Armed Forces Day event on Sunday, June 29.

     The event will start with the raising of the Armed Forces Day flag in Victoria Gardens at 10:30am, before military personnel, veterans, and cadets, parade through the city’s streets to the main event space on Briggate, where the Lord Mayor will take the salute, all accompanied by the West Yorkshire Police band.

    The day’s main activities will be on Briggate between 11am-4pm, and will be packed with family-friendly activities, parades, stalls, exhibitions, and music. Weather permitting, there will also be a flypast by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight’s (BBMF) C47 Dakota/Skytrain aircraft.

    Lord Mayor Elect, Councillor Dan Cohen, said: “Leeds has a long tradition of supporting our armed forces in both war and peace, and I look forward to continuing that tradition during my year as Lord Mayor.

    “This year, Armed Forces Day has added significance as we mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day and VJ Day; remembering, reflecting, and commemorating those who fought, worked, and sacrificed to allow us our way of life today.

    “While a fun and engaging day for all the family, the Armed Forces Festival is also an incredible way to say thank you to the men and women of the armed forces community, past, present, and future.

    “I would like to extend an invitation to everyone in Leeds, and I look forward to seeing as many people at the different events as possible.”

    For more information on the Armed Forces Festival and Armed Forces Day, visit: https://www.millsqleeds.com/leeds-armed-forces-day/

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    May 21, 2025

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Police urge the public to report any unlawful dirt bike riding on our roads

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Hawke’s Bay Police are asking the public for information to stop dirt bike riders in their tracks, before they cause more serious harm.

    Senior Sergeant Ross Smith says a woman and a young boy have been injured recently in two separate incidents due to “dangerous, and frankly stupid” behaviour by people on dirt bikes.

    Last week on Wednesday an 8-year-old boy suffered a broken bone in his leg after being hit by a dirt bike rider in Flaxmere.

    And on 24 April a woman was hit by a dirt bike outside a café in Hastings, causing moderate injuries, while the two young riders received critical and serious injuries.

    “There continues to be ongoing issues with people of all ages riding dirt bikes illegally on roads, footpaths and parks, mainly in the Flaxmere and Camberley areas,” Senior Sergeant Smith says.

    “Riders are not wearing helmets or robust safety clothing. The motorbikes are often unregistered, not warranted and some are in poor condition and not road worthy.

    “These riders have little regard for other road users, pedestrians or families using the parks and the public are paying the price.

    “We are also urging parents of children who use dirt bikes to make sure they do so in a safe way, otherwise more people will get hurt,” says Senior Sergeant Smith.

    Police are prepared to take enforcement action when necessary.

    We are asking people if they witness any of this kind of behaviour to report it to Police on 111 if it is happening now, or 105.police.govt.nz if it is after the fact.

    If you see dirt bikes being ridden dangerously then please take photos or videos and send it into Hawke’s Bay Police through the 105 website.

    You may have also captured them on other devices such as dash cams or house security cameras. This can be done anonymously through our 105 services.

    Gain as much information as you are safely able to, including the type of activity, any descriptions of the bikes and riders, the areas where this activity occurs and where they may come from, and any photos or video footage.

    If Police are not able to attend these incidents immediately, follow-up action will be taken.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    May 21, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Third man charged as part of investigation into north London fires

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    A third man has been charged as part of an investigation into a series of fires in north London.

    Petro Pochynok 34 (25.07.90) of north London, a Ukrainian national [C] has been charged with conspiracy to commit arson with intent to endanger life, namely:

    • conspiring together with Roman Lavrynovych and Stanislav Carpiuc and others unknown to damage by fire property belonging to another,
    • intending to damage the property,
    • intending to endanger the life or another or being reckless as to whether the life of another would thereby be endangered.

    Pochynok is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, 21 May at 10:00hrs.

    The charge, which was authorised by the Crown Prosecution Service, relates to a period from Thursday, 17 April to Tuesday, 13 May this year, in which three incidents took place – a vehicle fire in NW5 on Thursday, 8 May, a fire at the entrance of a property in N7 on Sunday, 11 May and a fire at a residential address in NW5 in the early hours of Monday, 12 May.

    All have connections with a high-profile public figure, and therefore officers from the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command led the investigation into the fires.

    Pochynok was arrested on Monday, 19 May, in the Chelsea area, SW3, on suspicion of conspiracy to commit arson with intent to endanger life.

    As part of the same investigation, Roman Lavrynovych 21 (06.02.04), of Sydenham, a Ukrainian national [A] was charged with three counts of arson with intent to endanger life.

    He appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 16 May and was remanded in custody to appear at the Old Bailey on 6 June.

    Stanislav Carpiuc, 26 (15.07.98) of Romford, a Romanian national, [B] has also been charged with conspiracy to commit arson with intent to endanger life.

    He appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, 20 May and was remanded in custody to appear at the Old Bailey on 6 June.

    Anyone with information that could assist the investigation should call police on 101 quoting CAD 441/12 May.

    MIL Security OSI –

    May 21, 2025

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: 2-for-1: Police bag prolific Auckland shoplifters

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Police have caught up with two of Auckland’s most recidivist retail crime offenders this week.

    Both men were of interest to the National Retail Investigation Support Unit (NRISU), after allegedly committing more than $10,000 worth of offending in recent months.

    Early this morning, a Waitematā Crime Squad unit came across a vehicle in Massey while carrying out prevention patrols.

    Detective Senior Sergeant Megan Goldie says a traffic stop was carried out on Don Buck Road.

    “It was soon established the man was being sought in relation to a series of shoplifting from retailers across Auckland,” she says.

    “The man will face seven shoplifting charges, with three of those being valued over $1000.”

    The 41-year-old will be appearing in the Waitākere District Court today and will have his bail opposed.

    Meanwhile, further south, Counties Manukau East Police have laid more than 10 charges against a Mongrel Mob member.

    Area Prevention Manager, Inspector Rakana Cook says units were attending a family harm event in Ōtara on Sunday.

    “Staff established one of the parties involved had numerous warrants for his arrest in relation to shoplifting offending in Auckland and Whangārei,” he says.

    “He was also a target for the NRISU given how prolific his offending has been over the past month.”

    Inspector Cook says the 34-year-old man appeared in the Manukau District Court on 10 shoplifting offences.

    “Police successfully applied to have this man’s bail opposed and he has been remanded in custody to reappear in July.

    “It’s a fantastic outcome and the man has been held accountable for thousands of dollars’ worth of offending.”

    ENDS.

    Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    May 21, 2025

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Fatal Crash: State Highway 12, Matakohe

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Police can advise a person has died following a fatal crash on State Highway 12, near Matakohe.

    The single vehicle crash occurred at around 1.30pm, west of Gallie Road.

    Police extend condolences to the family of the victim.

    A full road closure was put in place while the Serious Crash Unit carried out a scene examination.

    Police thank motorists for their co-operation.

    An investigation is now underway into the circumstances of the crash.

    ENDS.

    Nicole Bremner/NZ Police 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    May 21, 2025

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Police make discovery in early morning traffic stop

    Source: New Zealand Police

    A forbidden driver has added serious drugs offences to his list of woes after a traffic stop in Whangārei this morning.

    Frontline staff patrolling through Whangārei stopped a vehicle travelling along Memorial Drive before 1.30am.

    Whangārei Area Commander, Inspector Maria Nordstrom says it was quickly established the 19-year-old was a forbidden driver.

    “The teenager was arrested on the roadside, and in the process of searching the man he was found to be carrying illicit drugs.

    “A further search was invoked on a shoulder bag he was wearing across his body.”

    Inside, Police located more than 21 grams of MDMA and 491 LSD tablets.

    Inspector Nordstrom says a further search inside the vehicle also located additional MDMA.

    Around $150 in cash was also seized.

    The 19-year-old will appear in the Whangārei District Court today on drugs offences including possession for supply of MDMA and possession of MDMA.

    He will also face other driving offences.

    “Possession for supply is a serious offence and carries with it a maximum penalty of 14 years imprisonment,” Inspector Nordstrom says.

    “It’s another great outcome from our team working overnight keeping harmful substances out of communities.”

    ENDS. 

    Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    May 21, 2025

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Gisborne Police urgently seek man who fled police

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Please attribute to Inspector Soni Malaulau, Tairāwhiti Police:

    Gisborne Police are urgently seeking information as to the whereabouts of a man who fled from rural property this morning.

    Sonny Kennedy was arrested at a Whakarau Road address around 9:30am, and was searched, before being handcuffed at the front of his body.

    An officer was walking the 36-year-old to a police vehicle, before he fled on foot towards Whakarau Road.

    The property is approximately 6km south-east of Matawai, around 26km from the intersection with State Highway 2.

    Kennedy was dressed in a dark-coloured hoodie and light-coloured trousers and sneakers, and may have fled to a nearby bush area.

    Police are working urgently to find him, as there are concerns for his welfare due to his ill-preparedness for the conditions and his potential state of mind.

    Police are asking to the public to help us with any information you can. If you see Kennedy or have information as to his whereabouts, please call 111 straight away with any information, rather than approach him directly.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    May 21, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ7: Managing passenger flows at land boundary control points

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Following is a question by Professor the Hon William Wong and a written reply by the Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Ms Mable Chan, in the Legislative Council today (May 21):

    Question:

    It has been reported that during the Labour Day Golden Week holiday on May 2 when a large number of Mainland tourists visited Hong Kong, the mobile network and Wi-Fi system at MTR Lok Ma Chau Station were overwhelmed as a large number of passengers simultaneously used their mobile phones to scan QR code tickets to enter and leave via turnstiles, and thus a significant number of passengers were stranded. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

    (1) whether it has compiled statistics on the number of passengers stranded at Lok Ma Chau Station on May 2 due to the failure of the mobile network and station Wi-Fi system;

    (2) as passengers were being stranded at Lok Ma Chau Station on May 2, whether the Government has communicated with relevant Mainland authorities to notify passengers who intended to enter Hong Kong via the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point that they should use alternative boundary control points (BCPs); given that Shenzhen Metro Line 4 is operated by the MTR Corporation Limited (MTRCL), whether the Government has urged MTRCL on the same day to immediately notify passengers travelling on Line 4 of the passenger stranding situation at Lok Ma Chau Station and called on them to cross the border via alternative BCPs;

    (3) whether the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government has conducted drills with relevant Mainland authorities regarding unexpected incidents at BCPs and formulated various contingency plans; and

    (4) whether simulation tests have been conducted at all BCPs to establish co-ordination mechanisms and joint response measures between the Mainland and Hong Kong for handling peak passenger flows and potential unexpected incidents (including emergency situations such as malfunctions of immigration systems, baggage and security screening system failures, and railway service disruptions); if so, of the time when such tests were conducted; if not, whether such tests will be conducted in the future?

    Reply:

    President,

    The Golden Week holiday is the peak period of Mainland visitors visiting Hong Kong. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government has been maintaining close liaison with relevant organisations and parties to prepare well for arrangements of boundary control points (BCPs), public transportation, crowd management, etc, with a view to ensuring the smooth operation of various aspects in receiving visitors and offering a high-quality experience to them. In view of this year’s Labour Day Golden Week holiday, the MTR Corporation Limited (MTRCL) had made advance preparations by enhancing the train services for cross-boundary railways (including Lo Wu and Lok Ma Chau Stations of the East Rail Line, and the Hong Kong West Kowloon High Speed Rail Station), as well as deploying additional staff and strengthening information dissemination. Meanwhile, the MTRCL maintained close liaison with relevant departments at the BCPs, so as to adjust train services in a timely manner according to the situation at the BCPs, and provide visitors with safe, reliable and convenient railway services.

    In consultation with the Security Bureau, the Transport Department (TD) and the MTRCL, my consolidated reply to the question raised by Professor the Hon William Wong is as follows:

    (1) As observed by the MTRCL, during this year’s Labour Day Golden Week holiday, the number of visitors arriving in or exiting from Hong Kong via the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point using the MTR East Rail Line and the total patronage were slightly higher than those of the same period last year. On May 2 (Friday) this year, the peak arrival and departure periods for Mainland visitors were in the morning and evening respectively, during which an average of approximately 7 500 visitors entered and exited Lok Ma Chau Station per hour.

    During the peak departure period in the evening, a relatively large number of passengers used their phones at the same time to activate QR codes at ticket gates, resulting in a sudden surge in mobile data demand within a short period of time; the pressure on the mobile network providers’ provision of mobile data also intensified the passengers’ demand for Wi-Fi capacity at the station. As a result of the overall overloading of mobile data and Wi-Fi networks, passengers needed longer time for connection to the network to retrieve the QR codes, leading to a higher passenger flow at the stations’ entry/exit gates and concourse at certain periods of time. The MTRCL immediately took contingency measures in response to the actual situation, such as diverting passenger queues before the gates, adjusting the operation of individual escalators as appropriate to control the passenger flow, and intermittently allowing passengers to exit the gates without having to tap their cards from approximately 9.45pm to 10.30pm to divert passenger flow. Throughout this period, the Transport and Logistics Bureau (TLB) and the TD maintained close communication with the MTRCL and promptly urged the MTRCL to enhance services in all aspects to ensure the smooth and safe operation of the station in face of the large patronage. 

    To cope with the peak travelling period for visitors during the Labour Day Golden Week this year, the MTRCL anticipated that there would be an increase in demand for network data capacity by passengers. As such, arrangements were made before the Golden Week to increase the in-station Wi-Fi capacity for supplementary purpose to cater for the needs of passengers who require internet access but do not have mobile network data. In light of the situation that occurred on the evening of May 2, the MTRCL promptly contacted mobile network providers in that same evening to immediately upgrade the mobile data capacity near BCPs as well as further increase the Wi-Fi capacity at Lok Ma Chau Station so as to facilitate the use of QR codes for passengers to take trains.

    In response to the aforementioned situation, the TLB has requested the MTRCL to review its arrangements for future visitor peak periods based on the experience gained this time. The MTRCL will also enhance its publicity efforts on Mainland social media platforms to remind visitors to activate their QR codes for payment in advance, thereby reducing the time spent at the gates. In addition, the MTRCL will promote the use of mobile Octopus for tourists as another payment option that does not require internet connection. The MTRCL will further discuss with relevant parties on how to manage passenger flow more effectively and plan ahead to ensure that the peak passenger flow can be handled more smoothly in future.

    (2) The Inter-departmental Joint Command Centre, comprising the Police, the Immigration Department, the Customs and Excise Department and relevant parties (including the MTRCL), was activated during the Labour Day Golden Week (i.e. from May 1 to 5, 2025) to monitor the real-time situations at various BCPs. The Joint Command Centre maintained close liaison with the Mainland port authorities through the established port hotlines and real-time notification mechanisms, and took timely contingency actions as necessary to ensure the smooth operation of the land control points.

    In addition, relevant departments at BCPs continuously monitored real-time situations at the control points and maintained liaison with the corresponding Mainland port authorities, including immediate mutual notification of the passenger flow situation upon learning about the heavy network traffic at the MTR Lok Ma Chau Station on May 2 this year as well as implementation of appropriate crowd control and diversion measures to facilitate passenger flow and maintain order at the BCP.

    (3) and (4) The HKSAR Government and relevant Mainland authorities have conducted incident drills at various BCPs from time to time, simulating emergencies such as fires, power supply failures, immigration system malfunctions and infectious disease incidents. These drills aim to formulate and practise contingency plans, strengthen co-ordination between departments and various parties and enhance overall response capabilities, thereby ensuring safety and order at BCPs in the event of unexpected incidents. Recent joint exercises include the flooding evacuation drill at the Express Rail Link West Kowloon Control Point in March 2025 and the joint exercise at the Lo Wu Control Point in October 2024 to simulate scenarios of power supply and system network incidents at the Hong Kong Port and contingency measures taken by relevant parties.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    May 21, 2025

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Media Advisory: Police graduation tomorrow in Porirua

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Media are invited to the 384 Allan Boreham Police recruit wing graduation.

    What:   Graduation of the New Zealand Police Allan Boreham 384 Recruit Wing.
    Who:   For families and friends to celebrate with the newly attested Police officers.
    Why:   Completion and graduation from their initial training course.
    Where:  Te Rauparaha Arena, 17 Parumoana Street, Porirua.
    When:  Thursday 22 May at 2pm – media will need to be in place by 1.45pm.
    How:    RSVP the Police Media Centre if you’re attending: media@police.govt.nz

    Commissioner Richard Chambers will be attending the ceremony, along with Her Worship Anita Baker, the Mayor of Porirua. Also attending will be members of the Police executive and Wing Patron, former Assistant Commissioner Allan Boreham.

    The three top award winners will be deployed to Eastern, Wellington and Tasman Districts. 

    The 384 Wing Patron:

    Allan Boreham is a retired Assistant Commissioner of Police and former head of Youth Justice for Oranga Tamariki, Ministry for Children. Allan holds the New Zealand Police in very high esteem and is honoured to be the patron for Wing 384.

    He says he is looking forward to supporting the wing members to succeed and gain all the satisfaction a Police career offers. Allan joined Police in 1985 (in Wing 97) and served for more than 33 years. He was also a Deputy Chief Executive in the public service for five years in charge of Youth Justice.

    His Police career was varied and involved completing a wide range of roles in public safety, investigations, and road policing. These included postings in Auckland, Tokoroa, Hamilton and Wellington. He received an award for his leadership in solving the 1997 kidnapping and murder of an Auckland businessman, Graham Kirkwood.

    More details about statistics, prize winners and other recruits will be shared after graduation on Thursday.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    May 21, 2025

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Parliament Hansard Report – Wednesday, 21 May 2025 – Volume 784 – 001480

    Source: Govt’s austerity Budget to cause real harm in communities

    Question No. 10—Housing

    10. TAKUTAI TARSH KEMP (Te Pāti Māori—Tāmaki Makaurau) to the Associate Minister of Housing: What role, if any, have the Government’s policies and decisions played in contributing to the 53 percent increase in homelessness in Tāmaki Makaurau between September 2024 and January 2025, particularly for rangatahi?

    Hon TAMA POTAKA (Associate Minister of Housing): Homelessness is a symptom of a broken housing system and a broken mental health system, and fixing these crises are both important for this Government. Government target No. 8 was to reduce the number of households in emergency housing by 75 percent, and we’ve achieved that in 15 months. One priority was to ensure that children were not growing up in that catastrophe that we know as emergency housing, and our decisions and mahi have led to around 3,000 children leaving emergency housing and coming out of emergency housing over the past 18 months. We’re very proud of that. The December 2024 homelessness insights report states it is not possible to determine the extent to which changes in homelessness numbers reflect broader economic, social, and health contexts or are attributable to policy changes.

    Takutai Tarsh Kemp: What specific actions is the Government taking to prevent homelessness among rangatahi Māori, particularly to those exiting State care or youth justice systems, and how will these outcomes be measured?

    Hon TAMA POTAKA: As this House has been told in the past, rangatahi-supported accommodation and youth-transitional accommodation continue to be supported. In addition to that, there are a number and a range of services—whether or not those are housing support products, housing first, transitional housing, and other pathways—for those people, including youths, who have some significant housing deprivation challenges.

    Takutai Tarsh Kemp: How does the Minister justify the 2024 Budget decision to cut $40 million from Māori housing providers and $20 million from transitional housing for rangatahi?

    Hon TAMA POTAKA: As we will recall, a number of agencies had to ensure that there were appropriate savings that came through Budget 2024 to enable and support ongoing delivery of better public services, such as health, education, defence, and the Police. But it was absolutely enthusing and energising for us to be in Toitu Tairawhiti last week in Gisborne where we saw the mahi, the good mahi, that has been undertaken by the people in Toitu Tairawhiti to construct around 150 new homes, with a priority on single mamas and tamariki.

    Takutai Tarsh Kemp: What steps is the Government taking to empower kaupapa Māori and Māori- and community-led housing and support services, such as Mā Te Huruhuru, in Tāmaki-makau-rau in line with its Te Tiriti o Waitangi obligations?

    Hon TAMA POTAKA: This House may recall that recently we announced around $200 million of Māori housing tautoko to build 400 homes right throughout the country. Whether or not that’s up in Kaitāia or in Tūranga and Toitu Tairawhiti with the good mahi they are doing, and Ka Uruora throughout the North Island and others throughout the country, we continue to be very proud of the mahi that we are doing to support Māori housing and also the mahi that Minister Penk has been undertaking around granny flats and some of the ongoing mahi and good work being undertaken to look at papa kāinga.

    Takutai Tarsh Kemp: Supplementary. [Interruption]

    SPEAKER: Just wait for the House to gather itself a bit. Thank you.

    Takutai Tarsh Kemp: What is the Government doing to ensure the safety and wellbeing of rangatahi placed in emergency motel accommodation, and when will it invest in safe, culturally grounded, long-term, alternative, led-by-Maori communities?

    Hon TAMA POTAKA: Let’s get back to some data points. In December 2023, there were around 3,438 children in emergency housing—that moral, fiscal, social, and cultural catastrophe. As of the end of March, there were around 516—many, many of whom were Māori that have left and exited as a result of the priority one decision that was taken by this Government to expedite those households and whānau who have been living in emergency housing for over 12 weeks. Now, we are very proud of the decisions that we have taken to expedite those whānau and tamariki out of those difficult and exposed lives in emergency hotels, particularly in places like Ulster Street in Hamilton West.

    Rt Hon Winston Peters: Would the Minister have any idea as to how many homeless Māori the $80 million – plus profits the Waipareira Trust could house if the money was applied to them properly?

    Hon TAMA POTAKA: There is a lot of mahi to do, and we’re getting on and doing the mahi here in this Government.

    Takutai Tarsh Kemp: Will the Government commit to increasing funding for Māori housing and wraparound services for providers in Thursday’s Budget, in light of the 53 percent increase in homelessness in Tāmaki-makau-rau?

    Hon TAMA POTAKA: As the “mana pūtea” Minister Willis will say, one more version of “Hine E Hine” to come. Kia ora tātou.

    Debbie Ngarewa-Packer: A point of order, please, Mr Speaker. The question was quite specific, and I just wonder if the Speaker can advise, where the member asked “Will the Government commit to increasing funding”, based on a 53 percent increase in Tāmaki-makau-rau—we’re not clear on what that answer was or whether it was actually directed to the actual question.

    SPEAKER: I took it to mean that the—[Interruption] I’m speaking. I took it to mean that the Budget’s being delivered tomorrow and that he was not going to be releasing Budget information ahead of the delivery tomorrow.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    May 21, 2025

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Late night Police teamwork land two arrests:

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Police moved swiftly to apprehend two people attempting to burgle a Hunua property last night.

    Eagle, a dog handler and patrols were despatched to Ponga Road at around 9.30pm after the property owner, who was observing from a distance, alerted Police that he could see people on his property.

    “The rural property had been targeted by burglars four times in the past few weeks,”  Counties Manukau South Area Response Manager, Senior Sergeant Clive Wood says.

    Police responded rapidly to reports of two people leaving the property – one in a vehicle and one on foot heading into nearby bush.

    “Police located the vehicle nearby and apprehended the female driver,” Senior Sergeant Wood says. “Eagle and Delta teams remained at the property searching for a man who Eagle observed moving around.”

    A man was apprehended by the dog handler at around 10.20pm and suffered a minor dog bite on his arm.

    Senior Sergeant Wood says: “Police are pleased a rapid response and good teamwork ended a potentially dangerous situation without incident.”

    A 48-year-old woman and a 31-year-old man have been charged with burglary and will appear in the Papakura District Court today.

    ENDS.

    Nicole Bremner/NZ Police 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    May 21, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Budget delivers record boost for frontline service delivery

    Source: Australian Capital Territory Policing

    21/05/25

    The Victorian Budget 2025–26 delivers $11.1 billion to strengthen Victoria’s public health system – supporting frontline staff, expanding access to care, and improving health outcomes across the state. This includes a $9.3 billion boost for hospitals.

    The additional funding means Victoria is investing a record $31 billion in our healthcare system this year.

    The Budget focuses on delivering practical support for services that communities rely on, ensuring Victorians can access timely, high-quality care close to home. Supporting hospitals and expanding capacity

    Supporting hospitals and expanding capacity

    The budget supports expanding and operationalising hospitals, and supporting workforce across Victoria to keep delivering world-class care. This includes:

    • $634.3 million to open and operationalise nine new or upgraded hospitals, including the new Footscray Hospital, Frankston Hospital redevelopment, Maryborough and District Hospital, and community hospitals in Cranbourne, Craigieburn, and Phillip Island Community Hospitals.
    • Additional investments to modernise and future-proof our hospitals include:
    • $57+ million for essential building upgrades at the Royal Melbourne Hospital
    • $61.8 million for the Engineering Infrastructure Replacement Program
    • $52.3 million for the Medical Equipment Replacement Program.
    • An additional $95 million will support nurses, midwives, and healthcare workers through clinical placements and professional development at all stages of their careers.

    Better, faster care in an emergency

    To help more Victorians access emergency care faster:

    • $437 million to expand the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department, increasing its capacity to 1,750 calls per day by 2028–29
    • $48.2 million will support Urgent Care Clinics and expand the Community Pharmacist Program, allowing pharmacists to treat a broader range of conditions for free.
    • $84.2 million will strengthen rural and regional ambulance services through 15 dual paramedic crews, four peak-period units, and four 24-hour services
    • $58.4 million will improve patient flow through emergency departments.

    Expanding mental health and wellbeing care

    Funding in this year’s Budget will give Victorian mental health services the resources they need to care for more Victorians and focus on prevention and early intervention, especially for young people and our regional and rural communities.

    Key investments include:

    • $34.5 million to expand Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals, with seven new locations joining the existing 15 sites. These services provide free care without a referral or Medicare card for all Victorians aged 26 and over
    • $48.5 million for early intervention programs like the Perinatal Emotional Health Program, Rainbow Door, Responder Assist, Koori Mental Health Liaison Officers and more
    • Over $300 million to maintain access to mental health beds, across emergency, hospital, and in-home settings
    • Continued rollout of the Parkville Youth Mental Health and Wellbeing Service
    • Opening of three Youth Prevention and Recovery Care (YPARC) services in regional areas from July 2026
    • $47 million for workforce development including junior psychiatry rotations and registrar training
    • $10.1 million to support lived experience and peer-led services, including young carers through the Satellite Foundation and consumer leadership through the Victorian Mental Illness Awareness Council
    • $7.5 million for suicide prevention initiatives like HOPE, Yarning Safe n Strong, Strong Brother Strong Sister, and LGBTIQA+ aftercare services
    • $10 million for the Mental Health Capital Renewal Fund to help services provide safe and therapeutic environments for recovery
    • The Budget invests $44 million in alcohol and other drug services to expand the pharmacotherapy program, support outreach programs and strengthen residential rehabilitation services.

    Strengthening specialist and community care

    The Budget also supports Victorians with complex, chronic or long-term health needs by delivering services that help people live safely and independently in their communities. This includes:

    • $22 million to support the Home and Community Care Program for Younger People and provide allied health assessments to support NDIS access
    • $2.7 million to enhance the Victorian Aids and Equipment Program
    • $34.6 million for public sector residential aged care services to continue delivering high-quality care and $7.5 million to improve facilities across the sector
    • $7.6 million to support safer medication management in aged care
    • $38.3 million to Local Public Health Units to maintain safe drinking water and operate the thunderstorm asthma early warning system
    • $8.1 million to support our world-class cancer services, including the Victorian Cancer Biobank and Monash Partners Comprehensive Cancer Consortium.

    Inclusive and culturally safe care

    To ensure our health system supports all Victorians, the Budget includes:

    • Funding of over $13 million will support Dandenong and District Aborigines Co-Operative Limited fund an upgraded, modern facility to deliver clinical, social and wellbeing services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Melbourne’s south east
    • $15.8 million for ten Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations to provide culturally safe pregnancy and postnatal care
    • $15.3 million for targeted LGBTQIA+ health initiatives.

    Find out more

    For more information, visit the Victorian Budget websiteExternal Link or read the Premier’s media release.External Link

    MIL OSI News –

    May 21, 2025

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Serious crash: State Highway 12, Matakohe

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Motorists are advised to expect delays on State Highway 12, west of Gallid Road, Matakohe.

    Emergency services are in attendance at a crash, reported at around 1.15pm.

    A car has left the road and landed in a ditch.

    Police advise that although both lanes are currently open, traffic restrictions are in place.

    A ‘stop-go’ system will be implemented to enable the vehicle to be retrieved.

    An update will be provided in due course regarding injuries.

    ENDS.

    Nicole Bremner/NZ Police 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    May 21, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Construction begins at Watson Health Precinct

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    As part of ACT Government’s ‘One Government, One Voice’ program, we are transitioning this website across to our . You can access everything you need through this website while it’s happening.

    Released 20/05/2025

    The ACT Government is delivering the health infrastructure our growing city needs with construction beginning on the Watson Health Precinct redevelopment.

    Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith said the renewed Watson Health Precinct will enable delivery of better health services for young people and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community in Canberra.

    The upgrades will provide new purpose-built facilities to support alcohol and other drug rehabilitation services, as well as residential mental health care for young people.

    The precinct will also expand to include a new residential rehabilitation facility specifically for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people – designed, constructed and operated by Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health and Community Services.

    Minister Stephen-Smith welcomed the milestone as a key step toward delivering a modern, inclusive and culturally safe environment that will support recovery and wellbeing.

    “With new and upgraded facilities, the Watson Health Precinct will continue to provide live-in alcohol and other drug rehabilitation services for young people through the Ted Noffs Foundation, alongside residential care for young people experiencing mental health challenges, provided by Marymead CatholicCare,” Minister Stephen-Smith said.

    “The establishment of a residential alcohol and other drug facility for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people fills a service gap in the ACT and increases culturally appropriate treatment options in the territory.

    “Winnunga Nimmityjah has led the design of this new facility and will also be responsible for its construction and operation. This partnership ensures that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people receive culturally safe and appropriate care to support their recovery journey.”

    The ACT Government has worked closely with each organisation to ensure the new infrastructure meets the unique needs of their clients and supports their critical work.

    “Community health organisations play a vital and trusted role in delivering these essential services for the Canberra community. The upgraded facilities will enable our community partners to provide a welcoming, secure and inclusive environment that will support positive clinical and therapeutic outcomes,” Minister Stephen-Smith said.

    The ACT Government committed $49 million in the 2023-24 ACT Budget to upgrade the Watson Health Precinct to support these vital community organisations to continue delivering essential health services to young people and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

    Construction is expected to be completed in mid-2026.

    The ACT Government is making record investments in public healthcare to ensure Canberrans can access the right care, when and where they need it.

    You can find out more about the government’s health projects at builtforcbr.act.gov.au/projects/health.

    Quotes attributable to Julie Tongs, CEO at Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health and Community Services:

    “The new residential rehabilitation facility is designed to support the need for both cultural and therapeutic programs specifically designed indoor and outdoor spaces to allow for a holistic approach for all programs to be deliver seamlessly.”

    Quotes attributable to Anne Kirwan, CEO at Marymead CatholicCare Canberra & Goulburn:

    “At STEPS, (Supporting Young People through early intervention and prevention strategies) we know that a young person’s environment plays a vital role in their mental health recovery. We’re thrilled about the ACT Government’s multi-million dollar investment into youth services at The Watson site. This redevelopment will allow us to create a welcoming, therapeutic space surrounded by nature and designed with the comforts of home where young people can feel safe, supported, and empowered to work towards their wellbeing goals.”

    Quotes attributable to Lachlan Dean, National Programs Manager at Ted Noffs Foundation:

    “Seeking support for drug and alcohol treatment is a massive step for any young person to undertake. Having a space that is designed and created to allow for young people to feel safe, comfortable and promotes treatment removes one barrier to young people accessing support. We welcome the ACT Government’s commitment to improve the treatment options for young people in the ACT.”

    – Statement ends –

    Rachel Stephen-Smith, MLA | Media Releases

    «ACT Government Media Releases | «Minister Media Releases

    MIL OSI News –

    May 21, 2025

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Firearm recovered following callout in Manurewa

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Police have made two arrests and removed a firearm from the community in Manurewa.

    On Tuesday afternoon, Manurewa Police were called to a Great South Road property after a man was reportedly trying to gain entry.

    Counties Manukau Central Area Prevention Manager, Inspector Warrick Adkin says Police were called at about 3.40pm.

    “It was reported that a known offender was likely involved, and concerningly for us it was reported that he was in possession of a firearm,” he says.

    “Armed staff made an approach to the address, and located the victim who was unharmed, and the offender had not gained entry.”

    Meanwhile, the Police Eagle helicopter had deployed into the Manurewa area and located a vehicle of interest parked in Browns Road.

    “Eagle observed a man and woman exit an address and get into this vehicle and tracked it to South Mall,” Inspector Adkin says.

    Armed Police staff approached the parked vehicle and quickly took both occupants into custody.

    Inspector Adkin says methamphetamine was located in the vehicle, and a 42-year-old woman was arrested in relation to this.

    “No firearm was located in the vehicle; however a search of the Browns Road property located a cut down firearm, which is an excellent outcome.”

    “Seizing illegal firearms such as this, will reduce harm in our community and enhance public safety.” 

    A 38-year-old man will appear in the Manukau District Court charged with unlawful possession of a pistol and ammunition, along with speaks threateningly.

    ENDS.

    Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    May 21, 2025

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Fatal crash, State Highway 1, Timaru

    Source: New Zealand Police

    A person has died following a crash in Timaru this morning.

    Emergency services were called to the single-vehicle crash on Evans Street, State Highway 1, about 9.50am.

    Part of the road is expected to remain closed until later this afternoon while the Serious Crash Unit carries out a scene examination.

    The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

    ENDS

    Issued by the Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    May 21, 2025

  • MIL-OSI China: HKSAR gov’t launches 9 major tourism projects

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    HONG KONG, May 20 — China’s Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government on Tuesday announced nine projects to be implemented by the city’s working group on developing tourist hotspots.

    The nine projects to be implemented are: Hong Kong Industrial Brand Tourism, Victoria Park Bazaar, Creating a Pink Trumpet Tree Garden, Featured community: In-depth travel in Old Town Central, Featured community: In-depth travel in Kowloon City, Disciplinary Services Pioneer Tours, Opening of the Former Yau Ma Tei Police Station, “Four Peaks” Tourism, and Revistalizing the Former Hung Hom Railway Freight Yard Pier.

    The hotspots span across the territory, underlining the concept of “tourism is everywhere in Hong Kong.” There are indoor and outdoor hotspots, locales for visits and explorations, as well as places for enjoying the ecology and scenery.

    Cheuk Wing-hing, deputy chief secretary for Administration of the HKSAR government, said that new travel patterns and tourists’ preferences increasingly value hotspots with unique features that are part of the flavor of Hong Kong. The nine projects will bring tourists new experiences that are more in-depth and fascinating.

    The HKSAR government proposed in the 2024 Policy Address to set up a Working Group on Developing Tourist Hotspots, aiming to identify and develop tourist hotspots of high popularity to enhance the travel experience for tourists.

    MIL OSI China News –

    May 21, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Australia: UPDATE: Charges – Murder – Palmerston

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The Northern Territory Police Force has charged a 45-year-old male with murder following the death of a 62-year-old male in Palmerston on 19 February 2025.

    Following the incident the male was arrested and the victim was conveyed to Royal Darwin Hospital with serious injuries.

    The 45-year-old male was initially charged with recklessly endanger serious harm and aggravated assault and was remanded to appear in Darwin Local Court on the 14 April 2025.

    Over a week later on 2 March 2025, the victim passed away.

    Serious Crime detectives upgraded the 45-year-old males charges to murder on the 14 April 2025 and he was remanded to appear in Darwin Local Court today.

    MIL OSI News –

    May 21, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Ten free or low-cost ways to get active in Canberra

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Canberra has plenty of shared paths for cycling, running and walking.

    Want to move more without spending more?

    Here are 10 ideas for increasing your activity levels while spending little to no extra money.

    You’d be hard-pressed to find a better city for running. Canberra boasts beautiful scenery and plenty of footpaths weaving through the city.

    No matter which side of the lake you live on, there’s a beautiful route near you.

    The bridge-to-bridge run around Lake Burley Griffin is a popular choice. Lake Ginninderra and Lake Tuggeranong are also great options.

    Read the Canberran’s guide to running.

    Hiking/bushwalking

    All the above routes are excellent for walking, as are mountains including Mount Ainslie, Mount Taylor and Mount Majura.

    To really make the most of the outdoors, why not visit one of the ACT’s 90 parks? They range from urban parks to the great Namadgi National Park and Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve.

    Outdoor fitness stations

    There is free fitness equipment available across Canberra.

    You’ll find most of them in public parks. Locations include:

    • John Knight Memorial Park
    • Theodore Neighbourhood Oval
    • Eddison District Park
    • Lake Ginninderra District Park
    • Haig Park
    • Lennox Gardens
    • Crace Community Recreation Park
    • Franklin Community Recreation Park
    • Moncrieff Community Recreation Park.

    Our bike-friendly city offers an excellent network of shared paths and on-road bike lanes.

    Incorporating bike riding into your daily commute is an environmentally friendly, affordable and easy way to increase your fitness.

    Over 90 per cent of Transport Canberra buses have bike racks. There are also four bike racks in each light rail vehicle, so you can easily combine cycling with other transport methods.

    You may have spotted the elevated metal baskets in parks across Canberra. These are part of a disc golf course and are available for public use.

    Disc golf is like a cross between frisbee and golf using a flying discs.

    There are courses in Belconnen’s John Knight Memorial Park, Eddison Park in Woden and Weston Park in Yarralumla.

    Skateboarding

    Whether you’re skating through the streets or doing tricks at a skatepark, skateboarding is a fun hobby that will keep you active.

    There are seven major skate parks across Canberra suitable for all levels:

    There are an additional 12 parks that offer skate features, so you’ll never be short of locations to practice.

    If you like the idea of skating but aren’t quite ready to invest in a skateboard, you can drop into a free Learn to Skateboard session.

    These are hosted by the Canberra Skateboarding Association with the help of local volunteer skateboarders.

    Helmets and boards are provided, and all ages and experience levels are welcome.

    Your local library might not be the first place you consider for trying out yoga, but perhaps it should be.

    There are dozens, if not hundreds, of yoga books available to borrow from Libraries ACT.

    With this large collection, you can find a type of yoga to meet your needs, including:

    • Yoga for arthritis
    • Yoga for people over 40
    • Yoga for pregnancy
    • Yoga for beginners
    • Yoga for children
    • Yoga for the inflexible male.

    There are also e-books, audio books and DVDs available to borrow.

    Northside Community Service also run free community yoga classes at the Salthouse Community Centre in Braddon.

    The classes run for five weeks at a time.

    Find out more and register your interest.

    Many of Canberra’s tennis clubs are private and require a fee. However, some of Canberra’s parks do have tennis courts and tennis practice walls.

    You can find tennis facilities at:

    • Crace Community Recreation Park
    • Franklin Community Recreation Park
    • Kambah District Park
    • Moncrieff Community Recreation Park.

    Game On is a program run by the Physical Activity Foundation and supported by the ACT Government.

    The initiative is run in suburbs across the ACT to get as many Canberrans participating as possible.

    It is free and family-friendly, and includes activities like walking, ball skills, bike skills, navigation and athletics.

    Dog walking

    If you’re someone who needs a friend to keep you accountable to your exercise goals, there is no one better for the job than a dog.

    Your furry friend needs to stay as active just as much as you do, and upping your walks  together is sure to get their tail wagging.

    Find ideas for where to take your dog for exercise and socialisation.

    If you don’t have your own dog, and aren’t ready to commit to adopting one, you could volunteer at Domestic Animal Services.

    You need to have previous experience with dogs, and you’ll need to undertake some training.

    It’s a great way to help some hounds and increase your activity levels.

    Bonus entry: find a sport

    Archery, pickleball, boxing, jujitsu… there are so many sporting groups in the ACT.

    Canberra’s sporting community is large, inclusive and always looking for new members.

    Many sporting organisations host ‘come and try’ days or similar programs where you can get a taste of the sport before committing to a season.

    It also includes a list of specific sports/organisations for people with a disability.

    Read more like this:

    Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter:


    MIL OSI News –

    May 21, 2025

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: A guide for health professionals disclosing information to Police

    Source:

    Reviewed May 2025 (previously titled ‘Can I tell the cops? A guide for health professionals.’

    Health professionals have the significant responsibility of knowing and caring for some of the most intimate details of their patients’ lives. Patients trust and expect doctors, nurses, and others to not tell just anyone. This obligation is recognised in the Health Information Privacy Code.

    Rule 11 of the Code says health professionals cannot disclose health information they hold about an individual, unless there is a valid reason to do so.

    What is a valid reason for releasing information? 

    Section 22C of the Health Act 1956 allows, but doesn’t require, health professionals to disclose information to a police officer (and some other officials), if they need the information to do their job. Where the treatment relates specifically to drug dependency, then the information is privileged against disclosure in criminal court proceedings under section 59 of the Evidence Act 2006.

    If you believe that any child or young person has been or is likely to be harmed, whether physically, emotionally, or sexually, you can report the matter to a social worker or Police. This is vital, as there is little that is more serious than the need to protect a child.

    Search warrants and production orders

    If Police have a search warrant or a production order for information about a patient, then health professionals must hand it over to them under the Search and Surveillance Act. A search warrant or production order is approved and issued by the Court if Police have met the grounds required under the Act. If Police have a search warrant, they can search a health provider’s premises. If they have a production order, health professionals must release the information requested. It is an offence to refuse.

    Sometimes Police do not have enough information to obtain a compulsory order. The Privacy Act is flexible enough to allow health professionals to disclose information under an exception to rule 11, when necessary, “to avoid prejudice to the maintenance of the law by any public sector agency, including the prevention, detection, investigation, prosecution and punishment of offences”.

    You may have information that could help Police in their investigations. There will be no breach of rule 11 of the Code if you can demonstrate you have considered this exception, and that you acted in good faith.

    Things to consider

    To be clear, this is your discretion. Consider these things before exercising it: 

    • Unless Police have a search warrant or production order then health professionals don’t have to give them anything.
    • You need to turn your mind to whether this disclosure is reasonably necessary in these circumstances. It’s Police’s job to convince you. If you are convinced, then you can release the information.
    • If Police’s request is vague or informal, or you question why they really need all that information, then follow up. They should provide you with a form or an explanation of why the information is needed. If you’re unsure whether to disclose information, you may wish to seek legal advice or contact the Medical Protection Society https://www.medicalprotection.org/newzealand for further guidance. If you’re still in doubt, you don’t have to tell them, and you can ask them to go back and get a production order.
    • If you decide to disclose to a police officer, it’s up to you to ensure the information you do disclose is proportionate and necessary in the circumstances.
    • Police don’t have to request information from you for this exception to apply. If you are concerned about a potential crime, or the health and wellbeing of someone, then you can disclose information to the appropriate authorities.
    • But again, before you do so, consider what information needs to be disclosed, why this information should be disclosed, and why it is necessary for the purpose you are disclosing it. Also, consider who you are disclosing to. Make sure you send it to the people who can do something about it. 

    Questions?

    If you have any concerns or questions, please use AskUs, which has more than 600 privacy questions and answers, or call our enquiries line on 0800 803 909.

    Health Information Privacy Code, health, IPP11 – disclosure, law enforcement

    Back

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    May 21, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Update your details with Access Canberra

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    If you’ve moved recently, make sure to let Access Canberra know.

    MIL OSI News –

    May 21, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE, law enforcement partners, arrest 13 Armenian rival members, associates of organized crime syndicates for alleged attempted murder, kidnapping and tens of millions in theft

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    LOS ANGELES – U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and law enforcement partners in California and Florida, arrested 13 alleged members and associates of Armenian organized crime syndicates May 20. Those arrested are charged in five federal complaints with a series of crimes, including attempted murder, kidnapping, illegal firearm possession and thefts estimated to be in millions of dollars related to online retailer shipments.

    “This transnational criminal organization operated with the structure and brutality of an international cartel, inflicting significant harm on public safety and causing substantial damage to legitimate commerce and supply chains,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigations Los Angeles acting Deputy Special Agent in Charge Dwayne Angebrandt.

    Among the defendants charged are Ara Artuni, 41, of Porter Ranch, California who is charged with attempted murder in aid of racketeering, and a rival, Robert Amiryan, 46, of Hollywood, California who is charged with kidnapping.

    The defendants arrested in California are expected to make their initial appearances this afternoon and tomorrow afternoon in United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles.

    Vahan Harutyunyan, 50, of Hollywood, Florida, made his initial appearance earlier today in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and was ordered detained. Two of the remaining defendants, Levon Arakelyan, 45, of Las Vegas, Nevada and Ivan Bojorquez, 33, of Gardena, California are presently detained in state custody on unrelated matters.

    Law enforcement seized approximately $100,000 in cash, three armored vehicles, and 14 firearms during the operation.

    According to affidavits filed with the criminal complaints, Armenian Organized Crime, a Russian mafia-affiliated transnational criminal organization, has made Los Angeles County a center of U.S. operations. Since 2022, two local leaders within the organization, also known as avtoritet, which in Russian means “authority,” allegedly have engaged in a power struggle for control in their territory, resulting in multiple murder attempts and a kidnapping.

    Artuni, an avtoritet, is charged with ordering the attempted murder of Amiryan during the summer of 2023. In retaliation, Amiryan, also an avtoritet, allegedly conspired with members of his own criminal organization to kidnap and torture one of Artuni’s associates in June 2023.

    In addition to attempted murder, Artuni and his criminal enterprise has, since at least 2021, allegedly committed additional crimes, including bank fraud, wire fraud, and “cargo theft” targeting online retailers such as Amazon.com Inc. Artuni Enterprise members and associates enrolled with Amazon as carriers, contracted for trucking routes, and then, while transporting the goods, diverged from the route and stole all or part of the shipment. To date, the Artuni Enterprise has allegedly stolen goods from Amazon worth more than $83 million, according to estimates provided by Amazon.

    The Artuni Enterprise also ran a “credit card bust-out” scheme in which they charged various credit cards to a sham business, then drained the business account before the credit card companies could collect the to-be disputed funds.

    “Today’s arrests reflect that my office and our law enforcement partners are committed to keeping America safe by dismantling transnational criminal organizations,” said United States Attorney Bill Essayli. “Let today’s enforcement action be a warning to criminals: Our communities are not your playground to engage in violence and thuggery.”

    “Investigators from the Burbank Police Department spent hundreds of hours investigating these heinous violent crimes,” said Burbank Police Chief Rafael Quintero. “The Burbank Police Department is grateful for the assistance from its law enforcement partners and the United States Attorney’s Office for their work in holding these individuals accountable for their actions.”

    “Dismantling transnational criminal organizations is at the core of HSI’s mission,” continued Angebrandt. “Through close collaboration with our law enforcement partners, HSI is holding these perpetrators accountable and disrupting their criminal enterprise at every level.”

    A complaint contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.

    If convicted of all charges, the defendants will face statutory maximum sentences ranging from 10 years in federal prison to life imprisonment.

    Homeland Security Investigations; The Los Angeles Police Department Major Crimes Division – Transnational Organized Crime Section; the Burbank Police Department; Northridge and Ventura offices; the United States Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General; IRS Criminal Investigation; and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are investigating this matter.

    Assistant United States Attorneys Lyndsi Allsop and Kenneth R. Carbajal of the Violent and Organized Crime Section and Tara B. Vavere of the Asset Forfeiture and Recovery Section are prosecuting this case. The Department of Justice Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section provided substantial assistance.

    Individuals across the world can report suspicious criminal activity to the ICE Tip Line 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 866-DHS-2-ICE. Highly trained specialists take reports from both the public and law enforcement agencies on more than 400 laws enforced by ICE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    May 21, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Three White Supremacists Sentenced to Prison for Racketeering Conspiracy; Two to Serve Life In Prison for Murder

    Source: US State of California

    WASHINGTON — On May 19, a federal judge sentenced three members of the Aryan Brotherhood prison gang who were convicted at trial of a racketeering (RICO) conspiracy that included multiple murders, drug trafficking, fraud, and robbery.

    Francis Clement, 58, was found guilty by a jury in February of RICO conspiracy and five separate counts of murder in aid of racketeering. Each of these murders was committed while Clement was in state prison. Clement was sentenced to life in prison. There is no parole in the federal system.

    The jury also found Kenneth Johnson, 63, guilty of RICO conspiracy and two counts of murder in aid of racketeering. Johnson was also sentenced to life in prison.

    A third defendant, John Stinson, 70, was found guilty of one count of RICO conspiracy. Stinson, who was already serving a lengthy prison sentence in the California state prison system, was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison.

    According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, between 2016 and 2023, Aryan Brotherhood members and associates engaged in racketeering activity, including murder, conspiracy to murder, fraud, robbery, and drug trafficking crimes. Johnson and Clement, who both held leadership roles in the gang, directed crimes committed by Aryan Brotherhood members both inside and outside of prison using cellphones that had been smuggled into prison. Because of his rank in the gang, Clement received a cut from the illegal drug sales and fraud schemes the Aryan Brotherhood committed. According to trial testimony, the Aryan Brotherhood regularly smuggled drugs, including methamphetamine, into prisons throughout the California prison system, which defendants and other gang members then sold to inmates.

    In October 2020, Johnson and Clement together ordered one murder during the execution of which another individual was also killed. Johnson and Clement also ordered another murder of an individual who was subsequently killed. It was further proven at trial that in February 2022, Clement ordered the murder of an individual and the following month, in March 2022, Clement ordered the murder of two more individuals. For each murder, the killings were ordered because defendants believed the victims either violated gang rules or owed the gang money.

    According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Stinson was a high-ranking leader of the Aryan Brotherhood and had substantial authority over the enterprise, including sponsoring multiple individuals for membership, resolving disputes among members, and approving the murder of current and former members. During the investigation, Stinson used a contraband cellphone within his prison cell to conduct business on behalf of the Aryan Brotherhood. The jury heard some of these communications from Stinson through court-authorized wiretapped conversations. Evidence was presented that Stinson also engaged in drug trafficking, and that, given his position within the gang, he received a cut of illegal drug sales that took place in prison and out on the street.

    “The convicted defendants led a notorious prison gang that committed ruthless murders, widespread methamphetamine trafficking, and perpetuated a culture of mayhem, fear, and disorder within the prison system that bled into the outside world,” said Matthew Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Organized crime within the prison system, enabled by the use of contraband cellphones, endangers American neighborhoods by flooding streets with dangerous drugs. The Criminal Division will continue to pursue crime syndicates, like the Aryan Brotherhood and their facilitators, to ensure they go to prison and the harm they inflict on society ends once incarcerated.”

    “Today’s sentences are yet another blow to the leadership of a violent criminal enterprise run from inside California prisons and spanning multiple counties and states,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith for the Eastern District of California. “The Aryan Brotherhood has maintained its deadly influence over members, associates and others both inside and outside prison. We are committed to doing everything we can to stop these violent inmates from orchestrating their criminal activities from inside prison walls.”

    “These sentences send a clear message: the walls of a prison do not shield violent gang leaders from justice,” said Acting Director Daniel Driscoll of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). “The Aryan Brotherhood’s leadership operated a brutal criminal enterprise from behind bars — ordering murders, trafficking drugs, and fueling violence in our communities. ATF remains committed to working with our law enforcement partners to dismantle violent gangs wherever they operate and hold their leaders accountable, no matter where they try to hide.”

    The indictment in this case charged 11 defendants with RICO conspiracy and other crimes. There are five defendants awaiting trial and the three defendants have pleaded guilty.

    This case was the product of an extensive investigation by the ATF, with assistance from the Office of Correctional Safety (CDCR), U.S. Marshals Service, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Pomona Police Department, Torrance Police Department, San Diego Police Department, San Diego Sheriff’s Department, Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, and Kern County District Attorney’s Office.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephanie Stokman and James Conolly for the Eastern District of California are prosecuting the case with the assistance of Trial Attorney Jared Engelking of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section.

    The case was investigated under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. For more information about Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces, please visit https://www.justice.gov/ocdetf.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    May 21, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Guilty Verdicts for Maryland Members of a PCP and Fentanyl Trafficking Conspiracy Centered in D.C.

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

               WASHINGTON – Kenneth Watts, 57, of Upper Marlboro, Md., and James Kinard, 47, of Temple Hills, Md., were found guilty by a federal jury today for their roles in a drug trafficking conspiracy that distributed large amounts of cocaine, fentanyl and PCP in the DMV. The conspiracy also used firearms to protect their narcotics and the proceeds from their trafficking operation.

               The verdicts were announced by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro, FBI Assistant Director in Charge Steven J. Jensen of the Washington Field Office, DEA Special Agent in Charge Ibrar A. Mian of the Drug Enforcement Administration Washington Division, and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department.

               The jury found both defendants guilty of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of PCP. The jury also found defendant Kinard guilty of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl. U.S. District Court Judge Jia M. Cobb scheduled sentencing for August 7, 2025. Watts and Kinard each face a minimum-mandatory sentence of 10 years in federal prison.

               Watts has two prior felony drug convictions. Kinard has a prior 1995 conviction for second-degree murder while armed and a prior 2016 conviction assault with intent to commit robbery while armed and related offenses. Kinard was on supervised release during the investigation in this case.

               Three co-defendants pleaded guilty before the case went to trial on May 7.

               Melvin Grayson, 51, of District Heights, Maryland, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute a detectable amount of cocaine, more than 40 grams or more of fentanyl, and more than one kilogram or more of PCP. Grayson faces a minimum-mandatory sentence of ten years. He  has two prior felony drug convictions from 1993.

               Tyrone Ragland, 56, aka “Tech,” of the District, pleaded guilty to a charge of conspiracy to distribute one kilogram of PCP. Charles Cunningham, 58, of the District, pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. According to their plea agreements, Ragland and Cunningham will be required to serve 15 years in prison. Cunningham has four prior felony drug convictions.

               According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, officers with the Prince George’s County Police Department intercepted a package containing six kilos of PCP at a FedEx facility in Maryland. The officers set up a controlled delivery of the package and stopped defendant Kenneth Watts after he picked it up. In Watts’ cell phone, investigators found text messages linking Watts to the package and to co-defendant Melvin Grayson.

               Through controlled purchases and wiretaps, evidence showed that Grayson distributed PCP, fentanyl, cocaine, and heroin, in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. The investigation also showed that defendants Ragland, Cunningham, Kinard and others conspired with Grayson to distribute the narcotics. In search warrants conducted at various residences, agents recovered four firearms, more than 2.5 kilos of PCP, more than 100 grams of fentanyl, and approximately $50,000 in cash. 

               This case is being investigated by the FBI’s Washington Field Office Cross Border Task Force and the DEA Washington Field Office, with assistance from MPD’s Violent Crime Suppression Division and the Prince George’s County Police Department. The Cross Border Task Force is a part of the FBI’S Safe Streets Initiative and targets the most egregious and violent street crews operating in the District of Columbia. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland and the Baltimore/Washington High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program.

               This investigation was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

               The matter is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nihar R. Mohanty and Iris Y. McCranie of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.

    23cr007

    MIL Security OSI –

    May 21, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Alameda Man Sentenced To Four Years And Nine Months In Federal Prison For Unlawful Firearm And Ammunition Possession

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    OAKLAND – Adesola Kehinde was sentenced yesterday to 57 months in federal prison for unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition as a felon.  U.S. District Judge Araceli Martínez-Olguín handed down the sentence.

    Kehinde, 38, of Alameda, was charged by complaint in January 2024 and by information in May 2024.  On Dec. 16, 2024, Kehinde pleaded guilty to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1).  According to the plea agreement, Kehinde admitted that on Jan. 9, 2024, officers with the Alameda Police Department detained him while he was seated in the driver’s seat of his car, which was parked outside of his apartment building.  At the time, Kehinde was on parole after serving a state prison sentence for human trafficking of a minor, threats with intent to terrorize, and robbery.  Officers searched Kehinde’s car and located a loaded Glock pistol with one round in the chamber and six rounds inside the magazine inserted into the pistol.

    Acting United States Attorney Patrick D. Robbins and FBI Special Agent in Charge Sanjay Virmani made the announcement.  

    In addition to the prison term, Judge Martínez-Olguín also sentenced Kehinde to a three-year period of supervised release and ordered him to forfeit the firearm and ammunition he possessed.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonah Ross is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Amala James.  The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI and the Alameda Police Department. 
     

    MIL Security OSI –

    May 21, 2025
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