A LOG ship has been detained and its crew members under investigations following a joint operation by police and Customs officials in Gizo.
Crew members on the detained ship MV Topaz are facing up to $100,000 fine for allegedly trying to sneak out of the country with brass scrap metals.
MV Topaz and crew members from Thailand were held after the vessel was found stacked with log and was still in anchorage at Noro.
Police and customs officials conducted a search on the ship following some tip off and discovered a quantity of brass scrap metals onboard.
Initial investigations discovered that the brass scrap metals were taken from locals by the crew members in exchange for electronic appliances such as DVD players, stereos and mobile phones.
The exchange of goods took place when the ship was berthing in Noro last week.
Directives were sent subsequently for the vessel to travel to Honiara for further investigations.
A local agent responsible for the ship said he is in the dark about the detention.
He confirmed the tag boat being held by customs but said no further information was given on why the boat is being held.
“Yes, MV Topaz is being held by customs but when I ask them, they said they are investigating crew members.
“I have no further information on this.”
When contacted, National Manager of border enforcement Sarah Wickham said crew members of the boat are under investigation.
“Our officers conducted interviews and have evidence that the crew were involved in illegal trading,” Ms Wickham said.
She said the bad weather hampered conclusion of their investigations.
“But our officers will return to complete their investigations and once we are satisfied, we will move to lay charges.
“We need few more information before we could proceed with the charges.”
Ms Wickham said the crew will likely to face charges of evasion of customs duties and false declaration.
She said the likely penalty would be forfeiting of goods and or tripling the value of goods.
“And if the value of goods is tripled, it would likely to fall in $100,000 fine.”
She said customs refused clearance for the boat therefore would not leave until the matter is legally resolved.
By EDNAL PALMER
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