US authorities said last week they arrested a Miami man who tried to smuggle cocaine into the US disguised as candy Easter eggs.
US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) said 23-year-old Esteban Galtes was arrested late Dec. 23 at Los Angeles International Airport after federal agents searching his luggage discovered over 6kg of cocaine, some of it concealed in egg-shaped pastel candy.
Galtes, who was returning from a week-long trip to Colombia, told agents that the candy was for his two children.
PHOTO: REUTERS 照片：路透
The rest of the drugs were hidden in another compartment of his luggage. ICE said the cocaine had an estimated value of more than US$100,000.
Galtes appeared in Los Angeles federal court last week. If convicted on drug trafficking charges, he faces up to life in prison.
“Drug traffickers are always trying novel ways to conceal their contraband,” said Claude Arnold, special agent in charge of ICE investigations in Los Angeles.
“But cocaine camouflaged as Easter candy is one of the more unusual tactics we’ve come across. Obviously two days before Christmas, this defendant didn’t expect his trip would end with federal officers conducting an Easter egg hunt.”
(AFP)
美國當局上週表示，他們逮捕一位企圖夾帶製作成復活節巧克力彩蛋的古柯鹼進入美國。
美國移民及海關執法局表示，二十三歲的埃斯特班‧蓋爾特斯十二月二十三日晚間於洛杉磯國際機場，在聯邦探員搜查行李後，發現超過六公斤的古柯鹼，隨即遭逮捕。當中有部分古柯鹼偽裝成復活節巧克力蛋形狀。
在哥倫比亞停留約一星期的蓋爾特斯對探員表示，糖果是要給他兩個孩子的。
其他的毒品藏在他行李內其他隔層。美國移民及海關執法局表示，查獲的古柯鹼價值估計超過十萬美元。
蓋爾特斯上週到洛杉磯聯邦法院出庭。若販毒罪名成立，他將遭終生監禁。
美國移民及海關執法局於洛杉磯負責調查案件的特別探員克勞德‧阿諾表示，「毒販總以新的方法掩蓋走私行為。」
「但是將古柯鹼做成復活節糖果是我們遇過較罕見的。在耶誕節前兩天，這位被告顯然沒想到旅途最後會遇上找復活節蛋的聯邦警察。」
（法新社／翻譯：吳岱璟）
A: Taiwanese-language pop singer Jody Chiang is finally staging a comeback after having “turned off the microphone” for nine years. B: Yeah, she’s set to perform for the National Day celebration at the Taipei Dome this Saturday. A: As the best Taiwanese-language singer, it would be a big loss if she continued her hiatus. B: Recently, Chiang revealed that she quit singing in 2015 due to cancer. A: That’s shocking. But it’s great to see her healthy and able to turn the mic back on again. A: 台語歌后江蕙「封麥」9年後，終於即將復開唱了。 B: 對啊她本週六將參加國慶晚會，在大巨蛋開唱。 A: 江蕙可是最棒的台語歌手，如果不唱歌太可惜了。 B: 她最近才透露，其實2015年是因為罹癌才會「封麥」。 A: 真是令人震驚！能再看到她健康地「開麥」太好啦。 （By Eddy Chang,
A: Apart from Taiwanese-language pop diva Jody Chiang’s comeback, South Korean girl group (G)I-dle is also performing in Taiwan this weekend. B: I know. They have concerts at the Taipei Arena on Saturday and Sunday. A: Actually, to meet their fans’ high demand, they’ve added one more show on Friday. B: They’re even adding a show? That shows how popular they are. A: My favorite group member is Taiwan’s Susan Yeh, known by her stage name “Shuhua.” Let’s go cheer her on. A: 本週末除了江蕙復出，南韓熱門女團(G)I-dle也將開唱唷。 B: 我知道，他們本週六、日將在小巨蛋開唱。 A: 應粉絲的要求，他們本週五還會加場。 B: 還加場？不愧是韓流人氣女團。 A: 我最喜歡台灣團員葉舒華！我們快去幫她加油吧。 （By Eddy Chang, Taipei Times／台北時報張聖恩）
Grenada’s Underwater Sculpture Park is a great example of how art can be combined with environmental conservation. __1__ on the ocean floor of the Caribbean Sea, this aquatic gallery was the brainchild of British sculptor and ecologist Jason deCaires Taylor in 2006. The park features sculptures that function as man-made coral reefs, with holes and shelters to attract marine life, thus forming a strikingly beautiful __2__. The sculptures are placed in a way that diverts visitors from nearby natural reefs. This creative approach to ecological preservation demonstrates how art can inspire, educate, and contribute to the sustainability of our environment. The
City life moves fast, and escalators are a lifesaver for busy commuters. __1__ It is widely believed that this practice keeps traffic flowing smoothly and avoids congestion. While on the road, drivers of slower vehicles are required to remain within the outside lane so that those traveling at faster speeds may pass in the inside lane. Similar to traffic lanes that separate vehicles driving at different speeds, this convention on escalators allows for both efficiency and courtesy. __2__ This system reflects an unspoken understanding that facilitates shared use of the space. However, the city of Nagoya, Japan, has
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