Sandwiches, Suitcases, and Swaddling Clothes

In this week's Odder News: smuggling funny things on planes, "golden cages," and swaddled belugas.

• If you are traveling the world as a pilot, why not exchange some goods on the side? A pilot running from Moscow to Anadyr brought a literal ton of food to sell in the Far East at a markup. He was caught when the plane's luggage weighed in at 700 kilograms (1,543 pounds) overweight in Anadyr, and inspectors realized that the pilot had brought ten suitcases. Computer monitors mingled among sausage, shrimp, and cheese. The total value of his stash is about R250,000 ($3,435). When did the pilot think he would have time to sell that many sandwiches?
• Your suitcase handles are not safe from inspectors either! A Muscovite was caught trying to smuggle methamphetamines into Simferopol in the handles of her suitcase. She blamed it all on her ex-husband – including the 300 grams found back at her Moscow apartment. The fact that someone called the police and tipped them off that a woman traveling with two children was carrying drugs does make the ex-husband look a bit suspicious. The most impressive part is that whoever it was managed to shove seven bags with 250 grams of drugs into regular suitcase handles.
• Nine Russian tourists in the African country of Chad were imprisoned for seven days – though their prison digs included a pool, a gym, and pretty decent food. They were driving through the country happily until they were awoken one morning by armed soldiers. The tourists were taken to a luxurious "golden cage," without passports and without knowing why they were being detained. Chad's president was assassinated earlier this year, but that did not stop the intrepid Russians from going there. Luckily, they got in contact with the Russian ambassador in Chad and should be back home soon.
• The Far East village of Kolyma collectively kept two beluga whales alive after they became landlocked at low tide. The community wrapped them in swaddling clothes and took turns pouring water over them. The effort went on continuously until the tide returned and the two Willys swam free.