SAVONA

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Captain released years after drug bust

Andrzej Lasota, the Polish citizen of the 'UBC Savannah', was acquitted in Mexico of drug traffic related charges, and freed, after being held in prison since July 28, 2019. The Mexican law enforcement agency made a cocaine bust on board of the ship in Altamira after its arrival from Barranquill on July 23. 227 packages weighing 225 kilos were found in rather unusual place, in cargo hold, buried in the cargo of ore. The crew was arrested. In the nightof July 27 the Master had ordered an immediate stop to all cargo operations and to close the cargo holds after being informed by the crew, that suspicious packages were found in the cargo deck during the offloading of cargo. He duly informed local authorities. On July 27 the ship was boarded by law enforcement personnel and authorities. The crew cabins were searched, all their personal belongings including money were seized, without issuing any search warrants. While most of the crew was released short time later, the captain remained imprisoned. Thanks to the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs he finally was released now.

Cocaine found buried under ore cargo

The Mexican law enforcement agency on July 28, 2019, reported a cocaine bust on board of the "UBC Savannah", which was docked at Altamira port, having arrived from Barranquilla on July 23. When the ship was thoroughly checked, 227 packages weighing 225 kilos were found in ra cargo hold, buried in the cargo of ore. The "UBC Savannah" was detained after the drugs were found under a cargo of metallurgical coke. They were first detected and reported to local authorities by the captain. The cargo was loaded in Barranquilla in Colombia with shore grabs and stevedores. ISPS measures were elevated in Barranquilla and several drug searches in holds, deck, superstructure and under water were carried out. There was no reason to believe that any of the crew were involved in the drug trafficking. Managers and crew are fully cooperating with local authorities to investigate the matter. 22 crew members were arrested, 19 from the Philippines and three from Poland. The Cyprus police was making enquiries on whether the arrested crew members have any contacts with Cypriot citizens. The ship remained stationary as of Aug 2.