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Bonkers air freight restriction

I cam across this on Ebay just now.

***Transportation of ink and toner cartridges by air is restricted***

Following recent incidents with improvised explosive devices, the Secretary of State for Transport has issued a directive prohibiting the transportation by air of ink or toner cartridges, to any destination inside or outside the UK. This directive comes into effect immediately. To avoid any doubt, an ink or toner cartridge is defined as ‘a cartridge weighing more than 500g designed for use in printing equipment such as printers, photocopiers and fax machines’.

What is bonkers about it? It isn't clear whether it applies to stuff purchased from one's usual computer consumables supplier such as Dabs or Misco, but all it means is that anyone with malicious intent will in future conceal explosives in something other than a printer cartridge. There must be an infinite number of objects that could be filled up with explosives and turned into bombs. It is a strange response to ban them after they are discovered. And it is only good fortune and effective intelligence that keeps the security services on top of the situation.

We can only hope they make sure to keep on good terms with Mossad who seem to be the most effective outfit worldwide when it comes to infiltrating Islamic terrorist groups.

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