Shark Tipping - Flipping good fun

Johann Mourier, 28, caught this Blacktip reef shark in the sea around the French Polynesian islands.

After wrestling with the line-caught beast Johann was able to turn it onto its back, which immediately sent it to sleep.

Fellow researcher and photographer Thomas Vignaud helped measure the 5ft shark, check its sex and take a DNA sample before releasing it in good health

Picture: SOLENT NEWS & PICTURES

Cannabis Helicopter Takes to the Air

Reports from the Hague On-line claim that the Dutch police now have a ‘cannabis chopper’ as part of their armoury in the fight against illicit drugs. The unmanned 'drone' mini-helicopter is fitted with equipment which can detect the 'smell' of cannabis as well as the 'heat' lamps which are used in the plant’s cultivation. It will be programmed to seek out illegal cannabis farms. The tiny helicopter – half a metre in length - is difficult to spot from the ground and can stay in the air for up to eight hours.

One can envisage swarms of these hovering over central Amsterdam and flying in ever decreasing circles, possibly giggling a lot.

There are also rumours that the Tax authorities have a similar 'drone' that can detect the smell of money and fear, emitted by tax evaders. Why not just electronically tag (RFID) all currency notes over 50 squids.