Algeria seizes 700kg cocaine on container vessel


FE Team | Published: May 31, 2018 15:32:20 | Updated: June 03, 2018 11:27:47


Reuters photo used for representational purpose

Algerian authorities have seized more than 700kg (1,543lb) of cocaine smuggled aboard a container ship and made 20 arrests.

The vessel was carrying frozen meat from Brazil and had previously docked in Valencia, Spain, says a BBC report.

It was due to offload in Algeria’s western port of Oran but suspicions were raised when the captain refused to dock for three days.

Acting on a tip-off, the Algerian coastguard forced the boat into port.

The drugs were then found aboard the Liberian-registered ship, the Vega Mercury, in boxes marked ‘halal meat’.

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