Kristo Laptalo, captain of the M/V CORAL SEA, and two members of the crew, were again denied bail for allegedly importing, possessing and transporting narcotic substances. They remain imprisoned in the infamous Korydallos high security prison outside Athen. They been detained their since July 2007, when government inspectors found 51.5 kilograms of cocaine in two of the crates of Ecadorian bananas. The ship had been loaded with over 187,000 crates of bananas. The seafarers were not involved in the cargo handling. They were informed who the buyers would be or where all or part of the cargo would be off-loaded. In short, they were totally ujnaware that narcotics had been smuggled in two of the crates. The Greek aurthorities haven't indicated how they have come to believe that Capt. Laptalo and his crewmates are responsible. Nevertheless, they continue to be held in prison, and there is no indication of when a trial will be commenced.
Judging by these seafarers' experience, it could take months for you to convince the authorities that you were not "importing, possessing or transporting narcotic substances." It's unlikely to happen on your next trip to Greece, but not impossible. So, maybe you should inquire. Write, call or email the Embassy of Greece, 2217 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC; 202-939-1324; greece@greekembassy.org
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)