In Brief

During 2009 a total of 85 people were arrested for drug trafficking and 851 accused of trafficking on a minor scale. Police seized 6.9 kilogrammes of cocaine, 48.3 kgs. of hashish and 37.2 of marijuana in addition to smaller quantities of ecstasy, speed and other narcotics.

Anti-drug operations were carried out at the airport and Port of Maó and, on a smaller scale, at schools and leisure centres.The increases in number of arrests and quantity of drugs seized are attributed to the island being used as an entry and transit point for illegal substances.

Matas pays 3 million bail to avoid prison

The ex President of the Balearic Government, Jaume Matas, paid 3 million euros by bank transfer as bail to avoid prison prior to his trial on twelve charges, including embezzlement, fraud, corruption, money laundering and electoral malpractice. In addition, his passport has been confiscated and the former President has been banned from leaving the country and ordered to present himself at the Palma court twice per month.

Unemployment up by 14.9% on last year

At the end of March, unemployment on the island was 14.9% higher than twelve months ago, with a total of 6,851 people out of work. The rise has been attributed to an increase in the active population.

Fines of 1,800 euros for illegal anchoring

The Balearic Coastal Authorities have issued fines ranging from 1,200 to 1,800 euros to owners of around 40 boats which were illegally anchored in the bay of Fornells.

Some 116 unauthorised boats were detected by patrols and their registrations noted so that the owners could be identified and then advised that they had 15 days in which to remove their vessels, failing which they would be fined.

Four temporary floating pontoons are to be installed by the Balearic Servei de Ports in Fornells this year, offering 321 berths. Another two privately-managed pontoons will provide a further 95 moorings.

Third Menorca Cycling Marathon on Saturday

The third Menorca Cycling Marathon will be held on Saturday with an anticipated 30 entrants setting out from Maó at 0630 hrs. to cycle 303 kilometres around the island's coastline, via La Mola, Cala Mesquida, Es Grau, Favàritx, Na Macaret, Son Parc, Fornells, Cavalleria and Cala Morell, before returning along the south coast to Maó. Registration for the event (via www.ciclomenorca.com) closes today.

Wins for Simon Barnes and Sharon Bowman

The finals of the Ladies' Cup and Captains' Cup were played at the Darts Presentation Night held on Saturday in the Hotel Sant Luis, S'Algar.

Sharon Bowman (Casino) and Susana Pons (San Mames) disputed the ladies' title with Sharon emerging the victor by 3 games to 1.

The Casino was also represented in the other final, Vicente Sintes Pons taking on Simon Barnes from the Aloha in a close fought contest which finished 3-2 in favour of Simon Barnes.

After the finals had been played, the prizes were presented and raffle drawn before dinner and the disco. Less people attended the evening this year, many having already started work or being sidetracked by Madrid v Barcelona football match which clashed with the Presentation Night.

Fourth round results in Menorcan Golf League

The fourth round of the Menorcan Golf League was held at the Son Parc course on Saturday, played as a medal competition.

The winner in the scratch category was Emiliano Pons Pons with a round of 69. The same player topped Category I (for handicaps 0-12.4) with a nett 64, with Miguel Quetglas Villatoro (65) in second place and Jesus Fdez. Reyes (69) third.

In Category II (handicaps 12.5-20.4) first place went to Isabel Van der Graaf with a nett 66, followed by Joan Bosco Ameller with 68, and Tomeu Mir Coll with 71.

The third category (20.5-36 handicaps) was headed by Ma. Teresa Juaneda Sintes (65), second was Sebastian Moll Allés (71) and third Diego Sanchez Navarro (75).

Valeriano Allés lose first play-off games

The Ciutadella women's volleyball team lost the first two legs of their semi-final play-off for the Copa SM La Reina against Universidad de Burgos, 3-0 and 3-2. The team now have to win the next two legs on home turf in order to force a fifth and deciding final leg and progress to the finals.

Weekend marathon for digital photographers

The Ciutadella Cercle Artístic's Fotoclub is organising the first digital photography marathon this weekend (17th and 18th), with entrants limited to 75. Registration costs 5 euros and can be completed online at www.fotoclubciutadella.org before 17th inst.

Each participant can take 25 photographs during the weekend which will then be checked to ensure that they are consecutive and have not been touched up. The contestants will then choose three of their photographs to be entered for the three prizes.

Crochet class at Red Cross Craft Group

The Red Cross Craft Group is hosting another crochet class at its meeting in El Picadero Restaurant on Monday 19th April (1000-1200 hrs.) Brenda Hyatt is giving the class and would welcome any newcomers, whether new to the craft or not, preferably with a crochet hook and ball of wool but these can be provided if need be. Further information available from Anne Maddison on 971 151 909.