Scot Tanker, based in Istanbul, commended the master of the MT Scot Bremen after suspicious packages were found aboard. The Maltese-flagged product tanker had arrived off Ostend, Belgium, on June 20, after departing from Pecem, Brazil. While anchored on June 22, the master discovered five concealed packages and promptly cancelled the pilot boarding.
He reported the incident to Belgian police and customs authorities and isolated the suspicious items. Unfortunately, adverse weather prevented officials from boarding the vessel immediately. In coordination with authorities, the tanker proceeded to Zeebrugge, arriving on June 23 at 20:00 local time for customs inspection. Substantial quantities of narcotics were subsequently seized.
Five crew members were arrested by Belgian police, but the ship and its crew were later released as witnesses. Authorities praised the master for his timely reporting and evidence preservation, which aided the investigation. Scot Tankers reiterated its strict zero-tolerance stance on drug-related crimes and expressed pride in the master and crew for their professionalism under pressure, emphasizing their commitment to safety and compliance.
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