Standard’s Club correspondents in Nigeria advise that there have been several ships arrested there following findings of drugs during discharge operations.
In most of the cases, the loading operations had taken place in Brazil and drugs seem to have been found within the cargo holds.
The purpose of this alert is to ensure that the necessary due diligence is exercised, keeping in mind that drug smuggling has thrived with the increased use of commercial shipping, thereby reducing the potential risk of ships and crew members being detained. The consequences of drugs smuggling can be severe for both the shipowners and crew.
…Standard Club notes.
Significant delays can result from the investigation proceedings initiated by the local authorities, which in turn may lead to loss of hire and potentially other consequential claims from cargo interests or the terminals. The ship and crew members may also be detained by the authorities, sometimes for an undefined period.
Crew members may be disembarked for interrogation at shore facilities or kept in prison if they are deemed to be involved in the carriage of the drugs. A substantial fine may also be imposed and/or the ship may be threatened with confiscation unless satisfactory security is provided.
In light of the situation, shipowners and operators are recommended to co-operate fully with any authority carrying out such investigation(s) and contact Standard Club assistance.
