Tuvaluan seafarers locked up for alleged drug trafficking
By Yvette D’Unienville
Families of the two seafarers who were apprehended for alleged drug trafficking last month are anxiously waiting for news about the two.
The two seafarers were working on MV Green Chile.
Tuvalu news managed to obtain from the Tuvalu Maritime Services, copies of the documents of the termination without notice of employment contracts for the two seafarers.
According to the documents, on 22nd December 2006, while the vessel was berthing in Moin- Costa Rica, the duo were arrested by police due to alleged drug trafficking.
The document also states it was understood that drugs were found when they returned from shore leave.
Manager of TMS, Amuia Tapeva told Tuvalu news, that apart from those documents, they haven't received any other information about the two seafarers, and they have informed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to make diplomatic negotiations.
The Ministry has contacted the Embassy of the United States in Fiji to assist and enquire further information about the two seafarers, Acting Secretary of Foreign Affairs Eseta Lautii said.
She explained that this is because Tuvalu does not have diplomatic relations nor representation in Costa Rica, but it is a commonwealth of the United States.
President of the Tuvalu Overseas Seaman's Union TOSU also said, the Union is waiting for more information on the two seafarers.
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