UK authorities seize more than two tonnes of cocaine in ‘one of largest’ busts

Cocaine with a street value of $ 132 million was taken from a ship leaving Panama by border authorities in the United Kingdom.

The 2.4 tonnes of the drug seized at the London Gateway port near the capital, according to Border Force Maritime director Charlie Eastaugh, was “one of the largest of its kind,” Eastaugh said on Saturday.

The haul, discovered underneath containers on a ship leaving Panama, was the sixth-largest cocaine ever to be discovered, according to the UK’s Home Office.

Following a 37-inch moving operation led by intelligence-led officers earlier this month, they discovered the shipment.

According to the National Crime Agency, the UK has one of Europe’s largest cocaine markets. According to the UK government, cocaine-related deaths in England and Wales increased by 31 percent between 2022 and 2023.

The latest year for which comprehensive data is available, the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) reported on Thursday that the cocaine trade increased to record-highs in 2023.

The Vienna-based organization’s annual World Drug Report revealed that cocaine was the world’s “fastest-growing illicit drug market,” with Colombian production rising as demand for the substance reaches Europe and North and South America.

Brighton reject two bids for Brazil forward Pedro

Getty Images
  • 50 Comments

Brighton have rejected two bids by Premier League clubs for forward Joao Pedro.

The clubs have not been revealed, but Chelsea and Newcastle are currently targeting the Brazil striker.

Liverpool are also known to admire the 23-year-old, though are not pursuing a move at the moment.

The bids are reportedly about £50m, as Brighton hold out for at least £60m for Pedro, who was signed from Watford for a then club record £30m in 2023.

Pedro, who has three caps, is known to be keen to move away from the south coast, while Chelsea and Newcastle are able to offer him Champions League football.

Chelsea are targeting two forwards this summer with Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens in ongoing talks with the club.

The Blues see Pedro as a replacement for versatile forward Christopher Nkunku, who is expected to leave Stamford Bridge despite his current involvement in the Club World Cup.

Related topics

  • Brighton & Hove Albion
  • Premier League
  • Football

Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez’s wedding secrets including Amazon founder’s reaction

As Lauren Sanchez and Jeff Bezos’ lavish three-day Venetian wedding nears the end, all the secrets behind the Amazon founder and his journalist wife’s big day have emerged

Lauren Sanchez’s secrets behind wedding – from ‘something borrowed’ to Bezos’ reaction to dress(Image: AFP via Getty Images)

Lauren Sanchez revealed some of the secrets behind her wedding to one of the world’s richest men, Jeff Bezos. Former journalist Lauren, 55, admitted she and Jeff didn’t stick to many of the normal wedding traditions – and her something blue is out of this world.

The Amazon founder, 61, proposed to his new wife in May 2023, by leaving an engagement ring under her pillow aboard his superyacht, Koru. The $2.5 million ring was presented to Lauren by Jeff after the couple had a dreamy starlit dinner aboard his boat while docked near the 2023 Cannes Film Festival.

But that was just the start of their nuptials, with their wedding celebration totting up to an estimated $50 million (£36.5 million). The Venetian event has sparked controversy with anti-capitalists and locals alike, who opposed the over-consumption of the whole affair.

Lauren wore a stunning bespoke Dolce & Gabbana dress for her big day. The long-sleeved gown had a corseted waist and turtle-neck design, with a mermaid-style skirt.

The Bezos wedding has taken over Venice for the weekend - much to the annoyance of some locals
The Bezos wedding has taken over Venice for the weekend – much to the annoyance of some locals(Image: AFP via Getty Images)

The sophisticated dress boasted 180 hand-finished buttons, covered in silk chiffon, which trailed all the way down the train of the gown. While the handmade dress was presumably one of many items that were new, her “something borrowed” was a pair of Dolce earrings.

Article continues below

Her “something blue” comes in the form of a secret souvenir from her flight into space aboard her husband’s Blue Origin trip. Lauren told Vogue: “We don’t have a lot of traditions that we’re keeping. I mean, I love traditions, but for a 55-year-old woman, it’s a little different.”

Vogue cover girl Lauren spoke to the magazine about her wedding details
Vogue cover girl Lauren spoke to the magazine about her wedding details(Image: Tierney Gearon for Vogue)

Asked about her “something blue”, Lauren explained: “Well, Blue Origin. It’s something from my space flight.”

Lauren said the trip was especially meaningful for her, “because it was literally one of the most profound experiences I’ve ever had in my life. Seeing Earth from space, I came down and I couldn’t describe it.

“It was the greatest experience I’ve ever had. Jeff said, ‘It’s gonna change you more than you think,’ and it completely has, visually, spiritually.”

But one tradition the billionaire couple stuck to was that they kept the gown a secret before she walked down the aisle. Despite Jeff asked to see it, she stayed strong and made sure the first time he saw it was on at the end of the aisle just before exchanging vows.

Lauren and Jeff tied the knot in a 200-guest ceremony
Lauren and Jeff tied the knot in a 200-guest ceremony(Image: @laurensanchezbezos/Instagram)

Lauren admitted: “I almost gave in. But I want it to be a surprise. As you get a little older, not many things surprise you. I can’t wait to see his face.” Her groom was said to have “gasped” when he first saw her in her wedding dress.

Sharing a photo on Instagram, Lauren wrote: “Not just a gown, a piece of poetry. Thank you @dolcegabbana for the magic you made.”

The star-studded 25-minute wedding ceremony saw the pair exchange vows in front of 200 guests, with a number of high-profile celebrities in attendance. The Kardashian-Jenners, Orlando Bloom and Oprah Winfrey all travelled for the wedding, as did Ivanka Trump and her family.

Rania Al Abdullah, the Queen of Jordan also watched on, as did supermodels, actors and business-people. Guests were welcomed by a gospel choir, with the singers performing a rendition of Whitney Houston’s Higher Love as the bride and groom entered.

Follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Threads.

Article continues below

READ MORE: Debenhams shopper says duvet and pillow set is ‘most comfortable and warm’ they’ve ever owned

Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez’s wedding secrets including Amazon founder’s reaction

As Lauren Sanchez and Jeff Bezos’ lavish three-day Venetian wedding nears the end, all the secrets behind the Amazon founder and his journalist wife’s big day have emerged

Lauren Sanchez’s secrets behind wedding – from ‘something borrowed’ to Bezos’ reaction to dress(Image: AFP via Getty Images)

Lauren Sanchez revealed some of the secrets behind her wedding to one of the world’s richest men, Jeff Bezos. Former journalist Lauren, 55, admitted she and Jeff didn’t stick to many of the normal wedding traditions – and her something blue is out of this world.

The Amazon founder, 61, proposed to his new wife in May 2023, by leaving an engagement ring under her pillow aboard his superyacht, Koru. The $2.5 million ring was presented to Lauren by Jeff after the couple had a dreamy starlit dinner aboard his boat while docked near the 2023 Cannes Film Festival.

But that was just the start of their nuptials, with their wedding celebration totting up to an estimated $50 million (£36.5 million). The Venetian event has sparked controversy with anti-capitalists and locals alike, who opposed the over-consumption of the whole affair.

Lauren wore a stunning bespoke Dolce & Gabbana dress for her big day. The long-sleeved gown had a corseted waist and turtle-neck design, with a mermaid-style skirt.

The Bezos wedding has taken over Venice for the weekend - much to the annoyance of some locals
The Bezos wedding has taken over Venice for the weekend – much to the annoyance of some locals(Image: AFP via Getty Images)

The sophisticated dress boasted 180 hand-finished buttons, covered in silk chiffon, which trailed all the way down the train of the gown. While the handmade dress was presumably one of many items that were new, her “something borrowed” was a pair of Dolce earrings.

Article continues below

Her “something blue” comes in the form of a secret souvenir from her flight into space aboard her husband’s Blue Origin trip. Lauren told Vogue: “We don’t have a lot of traditions that we’re keeping. I mean, I love traditions, but for a 55-year-old woman, it’s a little different.”

Vogue cover girl Lauren spoke to the magazine about her wedding details
Vogue cover girl Lauren spoke to the magazine about her wedding details(Image: Tierney Gearon for Vogue)

Asked about her “something blue”, Lauren explained: “Well, Blue Origin. It’s something from my space flight.”

Lauren said the trip was especially meaningful for her, “because it was literally one of the most profound experiences I’ve ever had in my life. Seeing Earth from space, I came down and I couldn’t describe it.

“It was the greatest experience I’ve ever had. Jeff said, ‘It’s gonna change you more than you think,’ and it completely has, visually, spiritually.”

But one tradition the billionaire couple stuck to was that they kept the gown a secret before she walked down the aisle. Despite Jeff asked to see it, she stayed strong and made sure the first time he saw it was on at the end of the aisle just before exchanging vows.

Lauren and Jeff tied the knot in a 200-guest ceremony
Lauren and Jeff tied the knot in a 200-guest ceremony(Image: @laurensanchezbezos/Instagram)

Lauren admitted: “I almost gave in. But I want it to be a surprise. As you get a little older, not many things surprise you. I can’t wait to see his face.” Her groom was said to have “gasped” when he first saw her in her wedding dress.

Sharing a photo on Instagram, Lauren wrote: “Not just a gown, a piece of poetry. Thank you @dolcegabbana for the magic you made.”

The star-studded 25-minute wedding ceremony saw the pair exchange vows in front of 200 guests, with a number of high-profile celebrities in attendance. The Kardashian-Jenners, Orlando Bloom and Oprah Winfrey all travelled for the wedding, as did Ivanka Trump and her family.

Rania Al Abdullah, the Queen of Jordan also watched on, as did supermodels, actors and business-people. Guests were welcomed by a gospel choir, with the singers performing a rendition of Whitney Houston’s Higher Love as the bride and groom entered.

Follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Threads.

Article continues below

READ MORE: Debenhams shopper says duvet and pillow set is ‘most comfortable and warm’ they’ve ever owned

Deodorant comment controversy affected me – GB’s Dart

Getty Images

Harriet Dart says the negative reaction she received for aiming a personal jibe at opponent Lois Boisson has taken a toll on her.

During a 6-0 6-3 first-round defeat to Boisson at the Rouen Open in April, Dart asked the umpire to tell her opponent to put on deodorant, saying: “She smells really bad”.

The 28-year-old from West Hampstead later apologised on Instagram, calling it a “heat-of-the-moment comment that I truly regret”.

Boisson made light of the incident at the time, posting an edited photo of her holding some deodorant and telling toiletries company Dove that they “apparently need a collab”.

Their careers have since gone in significantly directions, with Boisson making a major Grand Slam breakthrough at the French Open and Dart winning just one of seven matches.

Dart, who will face Hungary’s Dalma Galfi in the first round of Wimbledon on Monday, was asked about the comment by reporters at the All England Club on Saturday.

“I’d be lying if]I said] it didn’t affect me a little bit”, said the British number four, who sits 124th in the world rankings.

“I’m human, but also we all make mistakes and I just tried to look forward.

” I’ve gone through some difficulties these weeks. I don’t always share what I go through but I’m just looking forward and preparing the best I can.

“I don’t know why we’re still talking about this. It’s been months now. I feel like I answered a lot of the questions that were asked of me and that’s it. I really just want to put it behind me”.

Dart has been given a wildcard entry into Wimbledon – unlike Boisson, who reached the Roland Garros semi-finals in June by beating three seeded players.

related subjects

  • Tennis

Kneecap at Glastonbury: 6 astonishing moments as BBC refuse to air set live and stage shut down

Kneecap’s Glastonbury stage was shut down early due to huge numbers before the band played to a raucous crowd and made a number of shocking statements

Kneecap’s Glastonbury set didn’t fail to disappoint after a build-up swamped with controversy. The Irish rap trio took to the West Holts stage on Saturday afternoon and such was the expectation, festival bosses had to shut down the area and turn fans away.

It comes after calls came to remove the musicians from their set. However, while they remained, the BBC decided against live streaming the set, much to the disappointment of fans at home.

Kneecap member Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, who uses the stage name Mo Chara, was charged in May over the alleged display of a flag in support of Hezbollah at a gig at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town, north London last November.

The band continue to strongly deny the charges brought against the star. They previously released a statement to insist they will “vehemently defend” themselves against what they claimed was “political policing”.

And their latest set was one that was jam-packed with bombshells, including explicit chanting and political statements. Here are the biggest moments from the dramatic set.

Article continues below

Glastonbury stage shut down

Kneecap crowd
Crowd control made the stage be shut down before Kneecap got to the stage(Image: PA)

Glastonbury bosses were forced to shut down the West Holts stage ahead of the Irish trio’s performance. There had been calls for the festival to pull the band from the festival.

However, while BBC decided against airing the set, fans flocked to the stage to make sure to secure their spot. But many would have been left disappointed as they were turned away despite getting their early.

The space was shut off to crowd control, meaning no more people were allowed to enter the area. Glastonbury Festival bosses had earlier issued crowd warnings ahead of the set. They had sent out a list of what they expected would be their biggest audiences.

They told festival goers: “Kneecap will draw a large audience for their 4pm West Holts show. If you’re not planning to see them, please plan alternative routes around that area. If you do plan to attend, listen to stewards, and please have some other entertainment options in mind in case the field reaches capacity and we need to close it as part of our crowd planning measures.”

Sharon Osbourne booed

Sharon Osbourne
Festival goers made their feelings about Sharon Osbourne known(Image: Getty Images)

Following Sharon Obsourne’s condemning of the band, her name was loudly booed at Worthy Farm. She had previously told Piers Morgan: “They should follow the masters, who are U2. Bono goes on, he talks about Palestine. He does it in peace. He’s pro-Palestine, that’s his opinion Bono, god bless him, but he does it in such a way that it doesn’t incite violence from a crowd.”

She had also said: “Shame on Glastonbury, they have ruined the festival for one pathetic band.”

But as footage of the former X Factor judge was displayed on stage before the band made their entrance, the crowd voiced their displeasure of Ozzy Osbourne’s wife.

Call for riot – then retracted

Kneecap called for a riot as they headlined the West Holts stage. The group called for people to “start a riot” outside of court for Mo’s next date at Westminster.

However, they later backtracked and said they didn’t want a riot before adding: “But the stress we are under is nothing compared to the Palestinian people.”

They called Israel “war criminals” and said it was a genocide before adding that the “BBC will have some job editing” as they led a Free Palestine chant.

Mo Chara’s defiant message

 Mo Chara of Kneecap
Mo Chara of Kneecap(Image: Getty Images)

Mo Chara told the thousands of fans in attendance that he is a “free man”. It was the first time he had spoke on stage since he appeared in court last week.

During the court hearing, it was said the 27-year-old is “well within his rights” to voice his opinions on Israel and Palestine, but the alleged incident is a “wholly different thing”.

At the hearing, Prosecutor Michael Bisgrove said: “Of course, support for the one is not the same as support for the other. So the issue in this case, and the reason it has come to court, it centres on the apparent support by Mr Óg Ó hAnnaidh of a proscribed terrorist organisation.”

Óg Ó hAnnaidh was released on unconditional bail until his next hearing at the same court on August 20. Due to his release, the band was allowed to play their controversial Glastonbury set.

Keir Starmer targeted

Keir Starmer
Derogatory chants were directed towards Keir Starmer(Image: POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

The lively crowd hit out at Prime Minister Keir Starmer following his calls for Kneecap to be removed from the Glastonbury line-up. They erupted into a chant of “f*** Keir Starmer,” prior to Kneecap singer a new track.

And the chant was also repeated on a number of occasions during the set as fans made their feelings well and truly clear. In total, Kneecap led five “f*** Keir Starmer” chants and one aimed at Conservative party leader Kemi Badenoch.

Kneecap make BBC jibe

Kneecap
The Glastonbury crowd was invested in Kneecap’s set(Image: Getty Images)

The BBC’s decision not to livestream the set wasn’t well received by fans at home. But on stage, the group mocked the organisation, saying they will “have some job editing”.

With the set due to go on BBC iPlayer later on, the band joked bosses will be wanting to edit out some of their choice language. They insisted: “The BBC will have some job editing,” before leading a Free Palestine chant.” The band had called Israel “war criminals” and says it’s a genocide what they are doing to Palestine.

Article continues below

‘The story isn’t Kneecap’

The band wanted to reiterate their message that the key talking point shouldn’t be themselves. Instead, they stated hat the focus should be on what is happening in Palestine.