Criminal syndicates delay vessel in Moz

It would appear that the criminal syndicates involved in illegal export of exclusive products out of Mozambique are still busy, with a major find of suspect containerised cargo in the port of Pemba. Willing co-operation by Chin Tat, owner’s representative of Pacific International Line (PIL) in SA, and Guenole Mordin of SDV AMI in Maputo, Mozambique (ships agents for PIL), revealed to FTW that the container ship, Kota Mawar, was prevented from sailing in the northern port of Pemba. This as she was about to depart with 161 x 20-foot (6-metre) containers full of unprocessed timber. The sailing was delayed by arguments over who was responsible for the cost of removing the containers of wood. However, according to Tat, this request for unloading was satisfied. And, said Nordin: “We have since received the appropriate paperwork from customs, and the vessel has now sailed.” Mozambique police have announced that they have made another discovery. In a parallel operation, the authorities found 29 containers on the docks, some of which contained ivory. The authorities are still searching the port for more illegal exports. Although the PIL-owned Kota Manwar was the carrier of the suspect timber export, the Mozambican authorities have indicated that the line was not involved in the criminal activities.