Ship in drug probe could be destroyed

A ship suspected to be carrying ammunition or narcotics could be destroyed.

Should security agents find drugs in the vessel, which is being inspected at the Mombasa port, it will be destroyed, officials said yesterday. That would be in line with the government’s resolve to destroy any vessel found carrying drugs in Kenyan waters.

“Whatever happened to the others will befall this one,” said Mombasa County Commissioner Nelson Marwa.

Mr Marwa and regional police commandant Francis Wanjohi have urged the public to be patient and allow an inter-agency team to complete investigations.

The findings would be made public, they pledged. Security agents had received intelligence that the ship was carrying drugs besides some 257 trucks, according to Mr Wanjohi.

INSPECTING CARGO

Detectives have been working to verify the vessel’s cargo and by yesterday, they had checked about 250 vehicles, he said.

They will continue their search until they are satisfied there is no contraband included in the cargo. Yesterday, a few cars and other cargo in the lower deck were still being examined.

“The information that will come out from the ship will be released at the end of the operation, which might be today or tomorrow,” said Mr Wanjohi.

The investigation has not interrupted port operations, as only Berth 13, where the ship docked, has been cordoned off, he added.

Hoegh Autoliners, which owns the ship, said it came from Mumbai, India.

“After berthing, the vessel was boarded by Kenyan authorities, who requested to inspect the cargo to be discharged in Mombasa.”

The 6,500-ceu Norwegian car carrier was seized at the port last Thursday by Kenyan security agencies, which suspected it was smuggling drugs and firearms into the country. The vessel is guarded by GSU commandos.

Additional reporting by Mathias Ringa