Colombian authorities detain Chinese vessel bound for Cuba with illegal cargo of gunpowder, captain arrested
Colombian customs and border control officers detained last Saturday in the northern port of Cartagena (Columbia) a China-flagged ship with an undeclared cargo of gunpowder and materials that are used in making explosives. The ship was bound for Cuba and the cargo was declared as grain, Chinese media reported.
The illegal cargo, including gunpowder, detonators, projectiles and shells, was found by law enforcement officers in containers during onboard inspection. The ship captain was arrested and can be charged with illegal shipping of explosive materials.
The cargo was imported by Havana-based Tecnoimport and the materials supplier is Chinese company Norinco.