The Algerian authorities have seized 700 kg of cocaine from a container ship after the Captain refused to dock the vessel.
What happened?
Based on a tip-off obtained from the Algerian Coastguard, the Algerian port authorities detained the container ship ‘Vega Mercury’ after suspicions arose as the Captain refused to dock the ship and offload the goods in Algeria’s western port of Oranfor for the past three days.
The vessel, previously docked in Valencia Spain, was carrying frozen meat from Brazil.
Cocaine seized
Upon further inspection, the authorities seized more than 700 kg (1,543lb) of cocaine smuggled aboard the container ship and have arrested 20 crew members.
The drugs were concealed in boxes marked as ‘halal meat’ and were confiscated by the port authorities.
An investigation has been initiated to look into the incident and determine the origin of the consignment.
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Source: BBC
