Morning News Brief

A Canadian Truck driver has been arrested after almost 400 kilograms of cocaine was found in his truck near the border.  37 year old Ahmed El Kady of Hamilton, Ontario was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with possession with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, and conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute, five kilograms or more of cocaine. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum of life, and a fine of $10,000,000.  Investigators say they were onto Kady from the border crossing in Michigan and his picking up the trailer in Detroit.  They surveilled him and the truck as it made many stops in Detroit, through Ohio, and then in Buffalo and Niagara Falls.  Investigators were able to execute a warrant on the truck in Niagara Falls and found 386 kilos of cocaine and arrested Kady. 

If you haven’t driven over I90 on Oak street in Batavia for a while you may be surprised to see a new traffic light on the north side.  This is the new light for Federal Drive, although the new traffic sign says Federal rd. which may be a typo.  As of now the light is flashing yellow but the Department of Transportation says it will soon be switching to a 3 color stoplight.  So be prepared to stop when you cross over the bridge.

The Genesee County Sheriffs Office is proud to announce the graduation of the most recent batch from the Teen Academy.  6 teenagers participated in and graduated from the program held at GCC from July 17th through 21st.  They joined deputies in fulfilling different roles in the law enforcement system.  The Fourth annual academy was made possible with the support of Genesee County STOP DWI, the Genesee County Legislature, and Genesee Community College.

Getting pot rolled out at dispensaries is on hold again.  New cannabis retail licenses will not be awarded in New York State after a judge didn’t rule on a previous injunction on Friday.  A group of four disabled veterans are suing the Cannabis Control Board and Office of Cannabis Management over how the licenses are being handled.  They say they should have been served first under the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act but the NYS system prioritizes people who have had a previous marijuana conviction and also gives preference to certain racial groups.  The judge should issue a ruling in about 2 weeks.

Zoo keepers are concerned about a medical issue with one of the Giraffes at the Seneca Park Zoo and a procedure that may be just as dangerous.  Kipenzi, a 6-year-old female giraffe at the Seneca Park Zoo, is set to undergo a high-risk procedure next week to biopsy and radiograph a growth on her jaw.  The zoo said the growth, which may be a tumor, has been growing in size and is impacting her ability to eat.  Giraffe experts from across the country have teamed up to help treat Kipenzi. Several veterinarians will be helping perform the procedure, which requires high-risk anesthesia, Tuesday morning.