Canada not a significant source of fentanyl flowing into U.S., CBSA says

Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) commissioner Michael Duheme testifies at the Foreign Interference Commission in Ottawa on Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/ Patrick Doyle © The Canadian Press OTTAWA — As Canada looks to beef up its border security after president-elect Donald Trump threatened tariffs while raising concerns about illicit fentanyl pouring into his country, border officials pointed out there's barely any coming from Canada. Though, none of them wanted to say the name Trump when they said so. “Canada is not a significant source of fentanyl in the United States," said Aaron McCrorie, vice-president of intelligence and enforcement at the Canada Border Services Agency. He made the comment to a House of Commons committee studying the impact of president-elect Donald Trump's plans for border security and migration. McCrorie said border officials seized 4.9 kg of fentanyl in the first three quarters of the year, with the biggest amount being 4.1 kg bound for the Netherlands. The other seizures were all small, personal amounts caught along the land border, and there are no statistics to suggest significant shipments out of Canada. CBSA President Erin O'Gorman also said the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration has characterized the amount coming from Canada as "slippage" — small amounts sent over for personal use, mostly by post. Still, that doesn't trivialize the problem. Small package shipments are where CBSA is focusing its efforts, she said, which are hard to detect and can result in many lives lost. During the presidential race, Trump also threatened to deport millions of undocumented people, stirring fears that could trigger an influx of migrants into Canada. When questioned by NDP MP Alistair MacGregor about what Canada could face if Trump follows through and if the country's immigration detention centres are up to the task, O'Gorman said her organization does not have projections or estimates of what that could look like. “We are prepared for a surge,” O'Gorman said. Ottawa is compiling new measures to bolster border security through more staff and equipment in the face of Trump's tariff threats. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau shared his border plan with the premiers during a Wednesday evening meeting, and Ottawa plans to add their suggestions into the soon-to-come package of measures. Several media outlets have reported that the tab for that could surpass $1 billion, citing confidential sources. RCMP Commissioner Michael Duheme said he was surprised to see that figure bandied about in headlines, but he's not clear whether Ottawa will actually put that much into beefing up the border. He would not share with reporters any of the specifics on his wish list -- or how much money he's asked for, saying the announcement is coming soon enough. "You heard the minister in the past saying drones, helicopters, and we want to modernize everything we have with technological equipment and additional human resources," he said outside the committee room. "We have drones right now that we use to patrol areas that are hard to get to and what not. We just want to modernize the equipment and go to the more advanced technology that they have so we can better secure the border." An RCMP official said the police force currently has more than 900 drones and nine helicopters located across the country, with six helicopters that occasionally provide border surveillance. Meantime, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, when announcing Alberta's own new border security plan Thursday featuring a new patrol unit and drones, said the province doesn’t support retaliatory tariffs and prefers the diplomatic route. Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe said he and other premiers support the need for stronger border security to deal with illegal migrants and street drugs. “There is broad support to increase the investment in border security on behalf of Canadians, not just because President-elect (Trump) has asked for it,” Moe said. According to the CBSA, there are 1,200 ports of entry across the country staffed by approximately 8,500 front-line employees. CBSA also employs over 200 criminal investigators and some 60 international officers at 40 missions in 35 countries abroad. "The CBSA strategically dedicates its resources to address the threats that Canada faces while supporting the flow of legitimate trade and travel across the border," said CBSA spokesperson Rebecca Purdy. In the past fiscal year, she said CBSA seized close to 51 million grams of illicit drugs, more than 27,000 banned weapons and almost 900 firearms. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 12, 2024. -- With files from Chris Purdy in Edmonton and Jeremy Simes in Regina. Kyle Duggan, The Canadian Press

Jim Carrey says he’s come out of retirement as he ‘needs the money’

Jim Carrey (AP) Jim Carrey has given a frank admission about why he has returned for Sonic the Hedgehog 3 after previously announcing his retirement. The 62-year-old actor confirmed he was ending his acting career in 2022, claiming that Sonic 2, where he plays mad scientist Dr Robotnik, would be his final film. However, in February it was revealed that he would be returning for the third film in the video game adaptation, which also stars Ben Schwartz, Idris Elba, Keanu Reeves and Colleen O’Shaughnessey. Carrey has now been quizzed by the Associated Press about his role in the sequel. “You said in a past interview that you’d come back if you got a script written in gold ink written by angels,” the Canadian-born star was asked. Responding with a laugh, Carrey said: “That might’ve been hyperbole, yeah. I came back to this universe because I get to play a genius, which is a bit of a stretch. And you know, I bought a lot of stuff and I need the money, frankly.’ In a 2022 interview with Access Hollywood, Carrey seemed to be happy to put Hollywood behind him after a decades-long career as a leading man. His biggest hits included Dumb and Dumber, The Mask, Bruce Almighty and Liar Liar. He also won critical acclaim and award nominations for his roles in The Truman Show, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and Man on the Moon. “Well, I’m retiring. Yeah, probably. I’m being fairly serious. I really like my quiet life and I really like putting paint on canvas and I really love my spiritual life and I feel like – and this is something you might never hear another celebrity say as long as time exists – I have enough. I’ve done enough. I am enough,” he said at the time. The Sonic the Hedgehog series has been among the biggest hits of his career, with the first two films grossing a combined $725m (£568m) worldwide.

Britain unleashes futuristic weapon with limitless ammunition for first time in history

A Wolfhound vehicle, on which a laser weapon was mounted and fired by the British Army for the first time (Picture: PA) A futuristic laser – with limitless ammunition – has for the first time been unleashed on British soil. British Army soldiers from 16 Royal Artillery have carried out the ‘ground-breaking’ test at Radnor Range in central Wales earlier this week. Mounted on top of a Wolfhound, a protected troop-carrying vehicle, the unnamed weapon destroyed all hovering drones, serving as a warning to Britain’s enemies. A single blast is capable of zapping targets out of the sky within seconds, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) said. The laser works by directing an intense beam of infra-red light in the form of energy towards its target using advanced sensors and tracking systems which maintain lock-on and accuracy in real time. Expand article logo Continue reading Unlike conventional munitions, laser weapons are virtually limitless when it comes to ammunition supply, making them much cheaper.

'Strong person of interest' arrested in killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO

Credit: Altoona Police Department 'Strong person of interest' arrested in killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Authorities in Altoona, Pa., announced that they had arrested Luigi Mangione on gun charges at a McDonald's in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Police say he showed them the same fake ID he used to check into a hostel in New York. Authorities said he had a gun consistent with the one used in the shooting, a passport and what's being called a manifesto that might offer clues to his motivation. NBC News' Stephanie Gosk reports.

Who is Luigi Mangione: What to know about the ‘strong person of interest’ in shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson

Police followed a series of clues to identify and track down the suspect believed to have fatally shot UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, according to the NYPD. On Monday, police responded to a tip from a McDonald’s employee in Altoona, Pennsylvania, who said they saw a man who looked like the person of interest police have been searching for. Mangione was eating in the McDonald’s when he was recognized by the employee, police said. The 26-year-old man was taken in for questioning, and it was discovered that he was in possession of a ghost gun that matches the weapon believed to have been used in the assassination-style killing, officials said at a press conference on Monday. The person of interest also had supresser for the gun and several fake identification cards, including a New Jersey ID that the NYPD believes was used by the gunman.

The person of interest was pictured in the back of a taxi (EPA) New York Mayor Eric Adams said that the man in custody matches the description of the person in the photos and that he possessed items connected to the killing. New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch confirmed Mangione has been arrested on firearms charges. He is believed to be “our person of interest,” she told the press conference, and said it was down to a “combination of old-school detective work and new age technology” as well as the public that helped lead to the arrest.

Firm warning from Trump to NATO

Firm warning from Trump to NATO New US President Donald Trump has reiterated that the United States will leave the North Atlantic Alliance if the other NATO countries will not start contributing more. ‘If they pay their bills’ then the US will retain its role in NATO, Trump said in an exclusive interview with US broadcaster NBC. When the interviewer asked if he would leave the alliance if that does not happen, Trump replied in the affirmative. NATO members are supposed to spend 2 per cent of their GDP on defence, but many fail to meet that in reality, and that bothers Trump greatly. The United States alone accounts for 70 per cent of NATO's total budget, so Trump wants the other member states to contribute more.

A 27-year-old British soldier on Putin's hitlist calls it a 'badge of honour.'

Fraser Good, a British citizen, delivered a defiant message upon learning that his name had been added to a Russian-operated wanted list. A British veteran has reaffirmed his pride in supporting Ukraine after finding his name and photo on a Russian wanted list. Fraser Good shared with Metro that being listed in the flawed database is a "badge of honour," symbolizing his service, which has seen him involved in some of the war's fiercest battles. The list also features British nationals who have died during humanitarian missions or in combat against Vladimir Putin's forces, with some names marked as "destroyed." Fraser Good served on some of the war's most intense frontlines, including the battle for Kyiv, the liberation of Irpin, and operations near Kharkiv. He suffered severe injuries from a tank round while he and a small group of comrades defended their position against a massive Russian assault in Donetsk. Reflecting on the list, Fraser remarked: “It would be nice if they could at least get one date right—the details are completely wrong. “I definitely see being named on the list as a badge of honour. “If anything, I want the enemy to know who I am, because I am proud to stand with Ukraine.” The 27-year-old combat veteran from Northamptonshire, who served seven years in the British Army, has been living in Ukraine since March 2022 and is currently out of contract with the military. He has previously been the focus of Russian propaganda, with false claims circulated twice alleging that he had been killed in the war zone.

Fraser Good has fought in intense frontline battles as part of Ukraine's struggle for freedom. In a Facebook post, he wrote: "My comrades and I will keep fighting until Ukraine is free. It's as simple as that. Your propaganda and politics have been tiresome for as long as I can remember. Swipe for a surprise... Yep, that's me. Still very much alive and smiling, with more than one eye captured this morning. Honestly, you all bore me." "I take great satisfaction in proving each and every one of you wrong, every single time." The list, reportedly created by pro-Russian volunteers, contains personal information like phone numbers and email addresses, indicating the data may have been acquired through questionable means, possibly in collaboration with Kremlin sources. The entries also feature exaggerated criminal charges, likely aimed at justifying severe punishments or enabling exchanges for high-value prisoners held by Ukraine and its allies if these individuals are captured. Metro interviewed three British nationals and one American, none of whom were aware they were listed. The website is registered with a Russian URL and an IP address in Rostov-on-Don, a heavily militarized city in southern Russia.

After Russia's full-scale invasion began, Fraser Good left his life in the East Midlands behind to start a new chapter in Ukraine (Picture: Fraser Good, Facebook). A Scotsman named in the database referred to Putin as "an evil little bastard" after *Metro* informed him of his inclusion. Mike Marley, a former British Army soldier with 20 years of service who later transitioned to civilian life, shared with *Metro* that he had considered joining the International Legion for the Defense of Ukraine but decided against it. In November 2023, Russian media reported that hackers from a group called Joker DPR had released the names and personal details of over 500 applicants to the Legion. *Metro* has contacted the formation for comment. "They've clearly gained access to documents from people who showed interest in going to Ukraine," said Mr. Marley. "I was planning to go, but at my age and with my injuries, I decided against it. They must have gotten hold of documents from the International Legion, which probably included my name. "It's a bit concerning that they've accessed my information. "However, in practical terms, it likely just means I can't go to Russia now—which I wouldn't want to do anyway."