$1m drug seizure aboard Greek capesize
US authorities seize a million dollars worth of drugs aboard the Greek vessel, Samjohn Solidarity, but find no involvement of crew or management.
More than 20kg of cocaine has been discovered aboard the 180,700-dwt Greek capesize, Samjohn Solidarity, by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers during an inspection off the US east coast.
The vessel is managed by the Golden Flame Company and was boarded just before the Easter holidays by officers from the CBP, US Drug Enforcement Agency, Homeland Security Investigations, US Coast Guard, and police from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
“During the inspection, the team discovered 20 bricks concealed inside the vessel’s anchor locker,” the CBP said in a statement.
“The bricks contained a white, powdery substance that field-tested positive for the properties of cocaine.”
No arrests were made however and a senior manager at Golden Flame Shipping told TradeWindsNews that the US authorities found no involvement of the management or the crew. The ship is currently loading in the Chesapeake Bay.
Keith Fleming, acting director of field operations for CBP’s Baltimore office said: “Customs and Border Protection along with our law enforcement partners remain committed to intercepting transnational criminal organisations’ attempts to smuggle their dangerous drugs into the United States and we remain steadfast in our resolve to help keep our communities safe.”
