Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Air France planes at Charles De Gaulle. AP/Press Association Images

Staff at Paris airport angry after finding fake bombs ordered by American embassy

The exercise was called “irresponsible”.

A SECURITY EXERCISE gone wrong saw tempers flare in a Paris airport, after fake explosive devices were discovered by FedEx workers in a ripped package, sources told AFP.

Employees of the American courier service at Charles de Gaulle airport were shocked to find a pressure cooker filled with nuts and bolts inside a package in transit from the US to Tunisia.

On further inspection they discovered a container of other similar devices, along with what appeared to be detonators, said Frederic Petit, who represents the company’s employees for the CGT union.

The staff alerted authorities of “imminent danger,” and officials arrived to test the device using sniffer dogs and X-ray machines.

A security source at the airport said the devices were actually decoys bound for the US embassy in Tunisia that were being used for a training exercise.

“This type of delivery is not common, but sometimes takes place,” the source told AFP. “This is just the first time that a package has been opened.”

But Petit slammed the exercise as “irresponsible,” given the heightened security concerns since the Paris attacks in November, when jihadists killed 130 people.

“Nobody was aware of this cargo,” he said, adding that FedEx employees want to see such parcels banned from transit through France.

© – AFP, 2016

Read: Anti-government rancher killed in standoff had vowed to die rather than go to jail

Read: The French justice minister has quit after a huge row about terrorism

Author
View 42 comments
Close
42 Comments
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute John Kelly
    Favourite John Kelly
    Report
    May 10th 2019, 12:54 PM

    BRILLIANT .. sets an example for the rest of us … theres only one environment

    881
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Kyle Mac Creddin
    Favourite Kyle Mac Creddin
    Report
    May 10th 2019, 1:21 PM

    I hope other governments are watching this and will follow in Thailands footsteps. Huge respect to the Thai’s.

    411
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute CryptoWilf
    Favourite CryptoWilf
    Report
    May 10th 2019, 2:01 PM

    @Kyle Mac Creddin: The Philippines did something similar last year, they shut down tourist access to the island of Boracay as it was being wrecked. It’s good to see that they are at least willing to try and sort out the mess.

    186
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute albhbc
    Favourite albhbc
    Report
    May 10th 2019, 3:42 PM

    @CryptoWilf: open again now and much better.

    12
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Windom Earle
    Favourite Windom Earle
    Report
    May 10th 2019, 12:59 PM

    If it were Ireland we’d have it closed when the damage is done and opened at the first micro sign of recovery.

    165
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Jessie Ginger
    Favourite Jessie Ginger
    Report
    May 10th 2019, 1:50 PM

    @Windom Earle: It would prob never close in ireland

    72
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Liberal_Ireland
    Favourite Liberal_Ireland
    Report
    May 10th 2019, 1:10 PM

    GOOD.

    Have seen to many “normie” Instagram travelers going around wrecking the place, interfering with the marine life, insulting local customs and being generally obnoxious toe rags in general. Do this in more areas and give them space to breathe…

    131
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Mushy Peas
    Favourite Mushy Peas
    Report
    May 10th 2019, 1:19 PM

    Privileged to go when no boats where in the bay, incredible spot that is was being ruined by over-tourism.

    Feel bad for the locals who made a living shepherding people over, but I’m sure they will find other places to bring tourists.

    61
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Tony Donoghue
    Favourite Tony Donoghue
    Report
    May 10th 2019, 2:09 PM

    @Mushy Peas: I sense the irony there my friend, lucky you visited before all those bloomin tourists :-)

    124
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Brian Flavin
    Favourite Brian Flavin
    Report
    May 10th 2019, 3:24 PM

    well done to Thailand to save coral & wildlife

    34
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Floatwinner
    Favourite Floatwinner
    Report
    May 10th 2019, 2:33 PM

    It’s all Leo’s fault.

    30
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute WoodlandBard
    Favourite WoodlandBard
    Report
    May 10th 2019, 3:10 PM

    Good news. When I went there it was crazy mad, barely any room on the beach to move, barely any room in the sea for boats. Hopeless for photos unless you wanted ones of boats and a crowded beach.

    Yes, no tourist boat people out of work as there are many equally beautiful coast spots in Thailand that few people go to yet … not even Leo.

    12
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Dominic Leleu
    Favourite Dominic Leleu
    Report
    May 10th 2019, 4:25 PM

    At least they did something sensitive without declaring emergency first.
    Watch and learn FFG

    12
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Nollaig Elliot
    Favourite Nollaig Elliot
    Report
    May 10th 2019, 9:07 PM

    Great idea. However, the corals are mostly dying due to rising sea temperatures.

    6
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Declan g
    Favourite Declan g
    Report
    May 10th 2019, 10:28 PM

    Was there in 2012 , no boats could get in as waves to high so they drop you off around the back n u trek through a little forest before u come on to the beach such a stunning place but was ruined by amount of litter floating around , the likes of haven to swim around Burger King wrappers ruined the experience for me

    6
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Mahuna
    Favourite Mahuna
    Report
    May 12th 2019, 5:10 AM

    Such a beautiful place was there in 2009 while travelling the world so many beautiful places in asia. Good to see the this happening.

    1
Submit a report
Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
Thank you for the feedback
Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.
JournalTv
News in 60 seconds