So, Cellphones...

[Yin]

I can't find an article, but perhaps someone might have heard it on the news.

Now it doesn't take a genius to put two and two together, but there have been a couple of cases where Pakistanian men have been purchasing large quantities of cellphones. It has happened in more than one state, too, I believe, and they all have the same story. It was on our news late afternoon. The dealer called the authorities, and the men were questioned. They said they were taking them back to a company to sell them, because it was cheaper to buy them where they were at. The same exact story popped up in the other cases.

It wouldn't be that hard to rewire a cellphone into a bomb, now would it? :grr: Unfortunately, they let them go, but they have 2 detained for further questioning.

I swear to God. If another plane blows up, and its because of the cellphones, America needs to put on its combat boots and beat the living hell out of whomever let these people go. Knowing damn well that terrorists are of Middle-eastern descent, and buying 20+ cellphones seems a little suspicious to me. If we're not allowed to take cellphones on airplanes I think that'll be the end of it. We can barely get a tissue through security. It's all in due time before we all start getting extremely aggrevated. I was hoping they'd stop trying to kill us. It's just getting old.

[Masked Revenger]

Well, without proof that they were going to build bombs, there wasn't much they could do. What would you have the government do, take the phones becuse they are of Middle Eastern decent?

It's not unusual, really. Buying lots of something not available in a 3rd world country, and then re-selling it there t make a ton of money quick.

I'm not saying that we shouldn't be on the look out for things like this, I'm just saying that they can't stop these guys from buying phones simply because they are Middle Eastern.

Chris

[MajorMarvel]

kind of reminds me the old story that Saddam Hussein purchased over 70,000 PS2s because they could apparently be used too fire missiles

[Yin]

I can understand that.

It wouldn't be right to persicute (sp?) every last person of Middle-eastern descent, but I'm saying, we just caught 21 terrorists trying to smuggle bombs in liquid form on international flights (carrying between 400-500 people), which would have been completely devastating if they were successful. And they just said they're on a lead for a terrorist attack to blow up a bridge in Michigan. So the dots need to be connected.

Now I'm praying to God they're just doing what they said they were doing, but even watching it my stomach wasn't easy on the subject. Not at all.

[Masked Revenger]

I'm sure they're keeping these guys and the phones under tight survalence.

Chris

[Blackbat]

I was hoping they'd stop trying to kill us. It's just getting old.

Sadly, I doubt they will ever stop. These people are freaking relentless. That's the kind of dedication you get when they have their mind set that they are doing god's work.

[MajorMarvel]

Sadly, I doubt they will ever stop. These people are freaking relentless. That's the kind of dedication you get when they have their mind set that they are doing god's work.

not too mention the 20 somthing virgins they get if they kill themselves in their lords name. Thats insentive for any man too commit suicide

[Solario]

The 20 something virgins is bullshit. There's no such thing written in the Quran. And I'd like to know how it's "easy" to rewrite cellphones to bombs, because from what I know, you usually need massive amounts of nitrate to actually make anything explode. To me it seems like a quick scam in 3rd world countries for items that are useful in desert areas and is probably quite a bit cheaper in the US, not to mention more sturdy and reliable, than what they can get there.

[Blackbat]

The 20 something virgins is bullshit. There's no such thing written in the Quran. And I'd like to know how it's "easy" to rewrite cellphones to bombs, because from what I know, you usually need massive amounts of nitrate to actually make anything explode. To me it seems like a quick scam in 3rd world countries for items that are useful in desert areas and is probably quite a bit cheaper in the US, not to mention more sturdy and reliable, than what they can get there.

You don't need a very large explosion at all to cause catastrophic damage aboard an airplane. C4 would be an easy choice as it's compact and a fairly small amount could do serious damage if placed in the right location. How easy or hard that is to integrate into a cellphone, I have no idea.

[Yin]

The 20 something virgins is bullshit. There's no such thing written in the Quran. And I'd like to know how it's "easy" to rewrite cellphones to bombs, because from what I know, you usually need massive amounts of nitrate to actually make anything explode. To me it seems like a quick scam in 3rd world countries for items that are useful in desert areas and is probably quite a bit cheaper in the US, not to mention more sturdy and reliable, than what they can get there.

Terrorists are crafty (not saying that these people ARE terrorists). They'll find a way. They were genius enough to almost board the planes with bombs in liquid form. I'm sure they'll think of something, and like Blackbat said, it wouldn't have to be a grande explosion. A hole on the side of a plane is enough to make the thing come down.

[Dark AngelHawk]

If they can make pop cans into bombs to kill soliders and hit tanks then trust me making a cell phone into a bomb would be nothing for them. It's possible out there. I've seen some of the things they have used for IEDs(improvised explosive device). It's how they get us out there. I've seen enough videos from training and our unit. Crazy stuff.

[Dr Jack Wolfe]

Guys

Prepaid cell phones = hard to monitor communcations. One use and then you toss it, not bombs. Hell you don't even register a name or billing address with those prepaid jobs, you just buy and go like a disposeable camera.

They are easy to monitor, like all cells, but records are sketchy. Drug runners and Coyotes use them down here.

[Blackbat]

One thing I've always wondered is why airports don't have more extensive explosive detectors. Hell, even more dogs would be perferable. But I'm talking about those huge machines that resemble large x-ray machines, that can sniff out explosive vapours from a distance.

Of course, maybe they already do and it's just not effective.

Guys

Prepaid cell phones = hard to monitor communcations. One use and then you toss it, not bombs. Hell you don't even register a name or billing address with those prepaid jobs, you just buy and go like a disposeable camera.

They are easy to monitor, like all cells, but records are sketchy. Drug runners and Coyotes use them down here.

Well that's ONE use for them, yes. I could say the same thing about shoes. Shoes are for walking. But we all know that these people use them to transport weapons and explosives. You just never know with these people.

[Yin]

One thing I've always wondered is why airports don't have more extensive explosive detectors. Hell, even more dogs would be perferable. But I'm talking about those huge machines that resemble large x-ray machines, that can sniff out explosive vapours from a distance.

Of course, maybe they already do and it's just not effective.



Well that's ONE use for them, yes. I could say the same thing about shoes. Shoes are for walking. But we all know that these people use them to transport weapons and explosives. You just never know with these people.

Just like the time the one tried to light his shoe on fire on the plane. Passengers whooped his ass, and as a result we now have to take off shoes to pass security.

[Solario]

You don't need a very large explosion at all to cause catastrophic damage aboard an airplane. C4 would be an easy choice as it's compact and a fairly small amount could do serious damage if placed in the right location. How easy or hard that is to integrate into a cellphone, I have no idea.

C4, however, isn't some household item like a cellphone, so I think the government would need to keep a closer eye on various chemistry labs than who's buy a junk load of cellphones.

[Blackbat]

C4, however, isn't some household item like a cellphone, so I think the government would need to keep a closer eye on various chemistry labs than who's buy a junk load of cellphones.

No, it isn't. But the components that make up a plastic explosive bomb are household items. With readily available items a plastic explosive bomb can be made by any motivated freak in his mother's basement.

Hell, you can get recipes off Google.

I just think ALL these things need to be watched, not just the obvious.

[Solario]

What plastic explosives are you talking about? Because the two most common explosives of that sort is C-4 and Semtex, and neither of them can be made using household items. The main ingrediants in both of those are RDX and in Semtex's case half PETN (as a starter). Both of which are classified as explosives. Except PETN is sometimes used in some forms of medicine for heart diseases. Anarchist's Cookbook has time and time again been debunked as complete hogwash, misinformations or just plain outdated.

[Blackbat]

Obviously you are more up on this than me, but I did a google search and this came up. Which appearantly is the Anarchist's Cookbook you mentioned earlier.

http://everything2.com/index.pl?node_id=510067

[Solario]

I just reread my post and I want to apoligize if I came off as a complete asshole.

[Dr Jack Wolfe]

Ok, lets go with bombs then. Its much easier to use a Cell as detonator, then convert it into a bomb inside its case. You simply put it in the suitcase full of hairspray and toothpaste which now hast to be checked and dial it from the airphone. BOOM
Still betting on cheap coms

[Yin]

I just reread my post and I want to apoligize if I came off as a complete asshole.

You're coming off as a person just stating his or her opinion. That's all. :)

It's understandable, too. Sometimes when we try to get our point across, anger mixes in with it. I've been there and back a couple of times. Don't sweat nothin.

[Stalking Shadow]

If all else fails... mix up a couple buckets of ANFO!

[UnSub]

As Jack Wolfe already said, it's a lot more likely these guys are buying phones to commit illegal acts that don't come near the realm of terrorism. Drug selling or fraud are a lot more likely.

[Got]

I really don't understand. If someone buys mobile phones in bulk (Pakistani or not) they're planning something heinous? There's a shop in my local shopping centre that buys old phones, should I call the authorities?

This is getting utterly ridiculous, you could plant a bomb in absolutely anything. I've seen people smuggle drugs inside toothpaste tubes, shampoo bottles and oranges and I daresay that explosives are equally as easy to rig up in anything that's enclosed like that.

I have no hope anymore, I doubt I'll even be able to take a book on a plane again after this latest bust. Let's face it, security checks are not where people who belong to organised terrorist cells get caught - it's the last line of defense, and a pretty flimsy one at that. Even if they made you get on a plane naked there's still places you can hide bombs...

[Gold Rush]

I really don't understand. If someone buys mobile phones in bulk (Pakistani or not) they're planning something heinous? There's a shop in my local shopping centre that buys old phones, should I call the authorities?
...

Yin started this post about this topic, too.

Now, I know the topic is moving, but I want to say, those guys on the news are innocent. How do I know? Well, it wasn't because they were released by authorities, it's because I know a little bit about the business these guys are in.

If you look at some of the TV news reports, showing off the cellphones, still in Wal-Mart bags and in their packaging, take a look around the room. You see boxes of other items, particularly shipping boxes of toys (like Mattel toys selling Megaman action figures). Now, I have bought some extras myself to sell/trade/save of certain toys for the future. Many folks sell stuff on a regular basis, either off E-Bay, mail-order, or through a brick-n-mortar shop. To me, seeing all this other merchandise, is strong enough evidence that they are just wanting to make money as capitalistic middlemen. (Of course, this is not counting under-the-table sales to convienence store owners, where they meet people face-to-face and buy items, such as cigarettes for cheaper than a big name outlet. This type of business is a bit "fishy".)

Now, admittedly, I cannot tell you everyone that buys alot of cellphones have innocent intentions, but I would say this particular news item is just part of the news media's bread and butter.

I am also a bit tired of worrying about all this and I try to avoid flying because I am tired about all the searches and restrictions.

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Gold Rush

[Meltman]

Terrorists (I'm really getting tired of calling Terrorists "Them", "Those people", etc. It sounds more like you don't want to be accused of racial profiling than anything when someone uses those terms.) obviously aren't as crafty as you all think they are, because they're still trying to BLOW UP PLANES. What, do they think we'll stop expecting it on the 723rd try? A freakin' Greyhound bus would probably get alot further, to be honest.

[thebluecanary]

I think this is why I like to drive every place I go. And about the airport thing, BACK in the day, before 9-11, I got stopped because there was a trace of some kind of explosive on my back pack. It was spotted durring a randome search. Turned out that because I drove past this construction site as they kept blasting I picked it up. They did a 2nd test, spray and a white pad thing, after they searched all my junk. And I was cleared. But I KNOW they where watching me every time I came back to the airport. I was flying out and back every week. So I saw the same guys over and over again.

I don't mind the extra security. England went and band all carry-ons. They have much harsher rules, and do some major profilling. Things we could never get away with here, because people would get all upset.

So no matter what they do some one or some group is going to get pissed off, and then they will lower the standard, and something will happen. Its all a matter of time now.

[Yin]

That's exactly how I feel.

If it keeps going on and on, we're all bound to get extreme aggrevated and pissed off to no end, and then we won't take it anymore.

And yes, terrorists are crafty. You can kill more people on an airplane. Greyhounds wouldn't be that significant unless you plowed it through an office building or something packed with enough explosives to take out that building and another next to it. And crafty wasn't even in the sense of using transportation to commit acts of terror. The craftiness is in what they create for explosives.

[Dr Jack Wolfe]

Meh my fear is , they'll run another Tom Clancy, involving a couple sleeper cells, AK47s, hand grenades, and malls the day after Thanksgiving. Never read a scarrier, or easier to pull off scenario.

[Remianen]

And they just said they're on a lead for a terrorist attack to blow up a bridge in Michigan. So the dots need to be connected.

I know this is gonna sound horrible but, when I heard the story about the bridge in Michigan, I was actually kinda happy. Maybe they'll leave my city alone, damn. We only have like a dozen landmarks left. :(

And actually Solario, you're absolutely incorrect. Cell phones can be used as TRIGGERS for bombs. Ask any EODer (preferably one trained in urban warfare). This isn't the sole purview of terrorists either. You know, the same people who can turn a Walkman into a tattooing needle can also rewire other electrical appliances into other uses. I mean, didn't Timothy McVeigh teach folks ANYTHING? Not all fertilizer in the US is registered (just like guns and corrosive substances and pharmaceuticals and...). Everyone in this country isn't a saint. Getting a hold of a small amount of explosives (whether conventional or homemade) isn't anywhere near impossible, believe me. That's the saddest part of this whole thing. All this hysterical empty chatter going on and no one's looking right under their big freakin' noses to see the large shipments of fully automatic weapons being shuttled between states every single day. Here's a tip: a medium sized meth lab contains enough material to do significant damage to maybe a third of a (New York) city block. And given the fact that most of the meth labs I know of are located in buildings that seem to be standing on the strength of bubble gum and prayer, I think that's a problem.

But Jack's right too. C'mon now, drug dealers have been using disposable cell phones since Trac-phones were first introduced in like '99.

And Melty, it might be my experiences that color my views but personally, I don't think anyone is that stupid. I think the whole plane thing was a diversion. Ever hear the saying, "When one door closes, another opens"? Besides, who needs ingenuity? The terrorists can just turn on CNN where they can be taught what places to hit, how to hit them, and even WHEN to hit them. I think the next attack is going to be carried out by a white man and/or a woman. With the authorities scrutinizing the brown men, doesn't take a genius to figure out who would best escape detection. But what pisses me off is having to show up at the airport at 2am for a 7am flight because Ali Haji Sheikh is protesting ("RACIAL PROFILING!") instead of just dropping his drawers and lifting his sack so they can check him out. Save the racial profiling spiel for someone who doesn't know better. I still get looked at sideways in stores and such and have been my entire life. God forbid I happen to be in the driver's seat of a luxury car outside the city. :P