Precious Shipping has denied any links to drugs found aboard one of its ships in Nigeria and has said it is cooperating with authorities.
Nigerian media sources reported that the 56,548-dwt Chayanee Naree (built 2012) was detained last week after 32.9 kg of drugs were found aboard the vessel.
The ship had loaded 46,000 tons of raw sugar in Santos, Brazil, for discharge in Nigeria on a voyage charter to an unnamed European company.
At the load port on 18 September 2021, drugs were found inside one of the vessel’s cargo holds, Precious Shipping said in a statement.
"The Brazilian authorities conducted a thorough investigation following which they were satisfied that none of our crew members were involved in or assisted the smuggling of drugs," the shipowner said.
"It was concluded in an independent surveyor’s report, that the bags containing the drugs were either hoisted directly from a boat alongside the vessel, loaded onto the vessel while she was berthed at the terminal or later when waiting at outer anchorage for a second berthing."
A day later, Brazilian authorities permitted the vessel to sail from Brazil without pressing any charges on any crew members or the company.
Thereafter, Precious said the ship headed straight towards her next port of call in Nigeria without any call at any ports in between.
"The vessel arrived at a location around 250 nautical miles (463 km) from the port of Lagos on 30 September 2021. The total distance steamed from Santos to this location was 3,285 nautical miles, which the vessel covered in 11.21 days and at an average speed of 12.21 knots," Precious said.
"She remained at this position until she was escorted to her discharge berth on 8 October 2021 after being notified that a berth was available.
"Upon arriving at the discharge berth in Lagos, Nigeria on 9 October 2021, the Nigerian authorities conducted an extensive search of the vessel, however no suspicious objects were uncovered."
The vessel then commenced discharging the cargo and on 13 October 2021, drugs were allegedly found in a cargo hold of the vessel.
"The case is still under investigation by the Nigerian authorities, with whom the company and our crew members are fully cooperating," Precious said.
"Thus far, there have been no charges registered against any our crew members or the company," it added.
Precious said it was "committed to conducting business in a lawful manner and strongly condemns any illegal activities, including drug trafficking".
"The company affirms that it is not involved in any manner whatsoever with such illegal activities and intends to continue cooperating with the relevant authorities until the case is fully resolved," the shipowner said.
While the investigation is ongoing, Precious said it is liaising with the relevant authorities, including the Thai Embassy in Nigeria, in order to ensure that "our crew members’ basic rights are preserved".
