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The MV Raider, which was intercepted by French authorities with 4.87 tonnes of cocaine on board mid-last month, docked at the Avatiu International Secure Port on Friday, (Saturday NZT).
Photo: Cook Islands News
Local authorities are uncertain when the intercepted cargo vessel carrying tonnes of cocaine will be cleared to leave Avatiu Port, as concerns over its entry into Rarotonga continue to mount.
The MV Raider, which was intercepted by French authorities with 4.87 tonnes of cocaine on board mid-last month, entered Rarotonga waters last week under a distress call for engine repairs.
The French authorities released the vessel and its crew after seizing the drugs which were reportedly bound for Australian shores.
The multi-purpose offshore vessel sailing under the flag of Togo entered Cook Islands waters after issuing a distress call for engine repairs. MV Raider sheltered south of Rarotonga during last week’s adverse weather before docking at the Avatiu International Secure Port on Friday.
In response to a series of questions from Cook Islands News, Cook Islands Customs released a statement on saying that the Harbour Master confirmed the vessel required repairs.
According to Customs, the duration of the vessel’s stay in Rarotonga is “currently unknown and depends on the completion of repairs and ongoing assessments by relevant agencies”.
“All associated costs, including harbour and port-related fees, are the responsibility of the vessel’s owners or operators,” Customs said.
“Cook Islands border agencies continue to coordinate to safeguard public safety, uphold maritime security, and maintain compliance with all applicable laws.”
Cook Islands Customs also stated that border agencies conducted border security search following the arrival of the vessel at Avatiu Harbour on 24 January.
“The vessel was boarded by border agencies, and a thorough onboard search was conducted by Customs and Cook Islands Police Service including search for drugs and other illicit or prohibited items. Nothing was found.”
The captain and crew were also questioned. The vessel has 11 crew members, consisting of Honduran and Ecuadorian nationals.
No Customs clearance was granted, as the vessel “did not meet legal arrival requirements”.
However, the crew were allowed brief onshore access “to obtain essential provisions under supervision”.
“The vessel is in the Cook Islands under distress solely to carry out necessary repairs, which are being conducted in line with international law and humanitarian obligations. The crew’s essential needs were met while their movements remained restricted.”
Customs also said due to adverse weather conditions, the vessel was temporarily moved to the southern side of the island on Sunday, 25 January, and remained under watch by Police Te Kukupa, before being returned to Avatiu Harbour “and secured in the International Port of Avatiu (ISPS-compliant area) under 24-hour Ports Authority security”.
“The crew are not under arrest. They will remain on board and are not permitted onshore. The vessel must depart once repairs are completed.”
