Good Practice Guide Ch 6 Concealment Methods

CHAPTER 6 CONCEALMENT METHODS

Table of contents

Section I:

Types of concealments

Section II:

Concealments using the normal construction of the container

Section III:

Concealments using false bulkheads, roofs and floors 3.1 Bulkhead concealments 3.2 Roof and floor concealments

Section IV:

Concealments within the cargo inside the container

Section V:

Rip-off

EUROPEAN COMMISSION GOOD PRACTICE GUIDE

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CHAPTER 6 - CONCEALMENT METHODS

1

Section I Types of concealments Types of concealment are as varied as the goods or the containers used to transport them. Any kind of space can be adapted to include a concealment. Containers and trailers can be adapted to facilitate the concealment of all types of fraud. Any hollow box sections of a container/trailer wall, the floor, the roof or the bulkhead can be used as hiding places. A methodical approach is essential, as is the complete discharge of a container/trailer if the examination of the structure is to be carried out fully. There are, however, basically four types of concealment in containers/trailers: containers/trailers: 

concealments using the normal construction of the container/trailer (the space between the outer and inner walls, between and in the framework etc.;



concealments using false bulkheads, roofs and floors;



concealments within the cargo inside the container;



Rip - offs.


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Section II Concealments using the normal construction of the containers Double skinned insulated containers or trailers can be easily adapted by the simple means of removing all or part of the insulating material and thereby creating a space in the walls, in the roof and the floor of the container or trailer, which can all be used for concealments. The officers who examine full or empty containers con tainers should look for the following indications: new paintwork or mastic, traces of welding, new rivets of screws. Refrigerated containers are designed for cargo which needs constant temperatures above or below freezing point. The reefer unit is a compact design compressor unit with an air-cooled condenser. This unit is accessible via three cover-plates cover-plates on the outside of the container and also via a top panel inside the container behind the bulkhead. This panel can be unscrewed, giving access to the refrigeration unit. In the unit there is a lot of space which can be used for concealments.


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72 KGs cocaine

container CBFU 343295-4 loaded with bananas

ex m/v CHIQUITA ROSTOCK (flag: Bahamas)

Santa Marta

Antwerp

The container was loaded with bananas. 68 packages cocaine with a total weight of 72 KGs were found concealed in the refrigerated compartment of the container. One could get access to the concealment via two coverplates on the outside of the container.


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photo 1: external view of container CBFU 343295-4.


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photo 2: view of the place in the refrigeration unit of co ntainer CBFU 343295-4 where the cocaine was hidden .

photo 3: close up of packages cocaine hidden in the refrigeration unit of the container.


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photo 4: close up of packages cocaine hidden in the refrigeration unit of the container.

photo 5: view of the 68 packages cocaine hidden in the refrigeration unit of container CBFU 343295-4.


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65 KGs cocaine

container TOLU 589636-0 loaded with bananas

ex m/v m/v SUMMER BREEZE (flag: Bermuda )

Santa Marta

Antwerp

The container was stripped by stevedores in a warehouse on the quay. During the physical exam of the empty container, 59 packages cocaine with a total weight of 65 KGs, were found. These packages were concealed in the refrigerated compartment of the container. One could only get access to the concealment once the container was empty. The place of concealment is a part of the normal construction of the container. The packages of cocaine hidden in the columns were attached to ropes.


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photo 1: view inside the container.

photo 2: view of the door in the refrigeration unit inside the container. behind this door 3 packages of cocaine were found.


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photo 3: view of along the to p of the opened column on the left side of the container. In the In the column ware ropes to which packages of cocaine were attached.


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photo 4: view on the ropes to which packages of cocaine were attached.

photo 5: view of the 59 p ackages cocaine hidden in the refrigeration unit and the columns of container TOLU 589636-0.


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8 KGs cocaine

container MLCU 385870-1 empty container

ex m/v CARIBBEAN REEF (flag: Sri Lanka )

Santa Marta

Antwerp

During the examination of empty containers discharged from a banana-vessel coming from Colombia, we found on the floor of container MLCU 385870-1 a tube of glue. In the back of the container, in the two top crossbeams left and right, a plate had been ground out and used as a cover. The cover of the right hand side crossbeam was removed. Behind it we found a plastic ribbon. When we pulled it, we found out that 18 packages cocaine were attached to the ribbon in such a way that the crossbeam over the whole length of the container was filled up with cocaine. The total weight was 8 KGs.


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photo 1: external view of container MLCU 385870-1.

photo 2: view inside the empty container MLCU 385870-1.


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photo 3: view of the tube o f glue found on the floor o f the empty container.

photo 4: view of the grinded p late in the top crossbeam left.


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photo 5: view of the grinded plate in the top crossbeam right.

photo 6: close up of the concealment after the plate was removed.


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photo 7: the packages cocaine ware attached to a ribbon.

photo 8: the packages cocaine were attached to a ribbon in such a way that the crossbeam over the whole length of the conta iner was filled up with cocaine.


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165 KGs cocaine

Isotank-container DCSU 002020-0 Palm oil 24.340 KGs.

ex m/v CHIQUITA BREMEN (flag:Bermuda )

Santa Marta

Antwerp

The tank-container DSCU 002020-0 was damaged during a storm when the vessel was at sea. One of the aluminium cover-plates was torn off and packages became visible. A part of the insulation, which is located all around the tank, was taken out and replaced with packages of cocaine. Packages of cocaine were also found behind one of the cardboard top cover-plates of the tank. In total 145 packages with a total weight of 165 KGs were retrieved.


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photo 1: external view of tank- container DSCU 002020-0.

photo 2: close up of the place of concealment after the aluminium cover-plate was removed.


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photo 3: close up of the aluminium cover-plate.

photo 4: packages of cocaine were also found behind the cardboard top cover-plate o f the tank.


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photo 5: view of the 149 p ackages cocaine which were retrieved.


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514 KGs cocaine

container TOLU 760119-7 loaded with bananas

ex m/v CHIQUITA BREMEN (flag: Bermuda)

Santa Marta

Antwerp

The container was stripped by stevedores in a warehouse on the quay. During the exam of the empty container we discovered that on both sides of the 40’ refrigerated container, the insulation had been taken out from half of the container. Instead of the insulation, 476 packages cocaine with a total weight of 514 KGs were hidden inside both walls of the container.


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photo 1: view inside the empty container.

photo 2: view of the left top crossbeam halfway through the container. Notice the fresh, new silicon.


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photo 3: close up of the left front side of the container.


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photo 4: view of the packages of co caine hidden in the space between outer and inner skins.

photo 5: close up of the packages of cocaine hidden in the space between the outer and inner skins.


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Section III Concealments using false bulkheads, roofs and floors 3.1

Bulkhead concealments

These can normally be detected by simply measuring the container against the specification, by gross weighing or by sensible drilling of the structure of the container or trailer. More common bulkhead concealments can be identified by checking the internal and external measurements of the container or trailer. In order to do this satisfactorily it is essential to completely discharge the contents of the container or trailer.

3.2

Roof and floor concealments

Floor concealments are generally achieved by welding plates to the underside of the containers. To discover this type of concealment it is often necessary to closely examine underneath the container. In order to be sure that no floor concealment exists, it is essential to first completely outturn the cargo. Once this has been done it is possible to thoroughly examine the container or trailer for any irregularities. The floor can be drilled d rilled in a number of places if the officer is not satisfied. It may only be possible to detect roof concealments by close scrutiny of the rivets holding panels in place and drilling d rilling if necessary.


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False bulkhead 799.800 cigarettes

contaner CSCU 419471-2 loose pile of timber 18.000 KG’s FCL - FCL

ex m/v m/v OSTWIND (flag: Antigua & Barbuda)

LITHUANA

The container was selected for examination, by container-scan, on base of risk analysis of the manifest. X-ray image showed that the container was loaded completely. A false bulkhead was seen on the X-ray image. Behind the false bulkhead there were 799.800 pieces of cigarettes concealed. X-ray image showed that access to the concealment could be gained by a hole in the container roof.


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photo 1: X-ray image showing showing that the container was loaded loaded completely.


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photo 2: a false bulkhead bulkhead was seen on the X-ray image.


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photo 3: external view of container CSCU 419471-2.

photo 4: numbering of container.


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photo 5: internal view of the container.

photo 6: view of one Angle joint.


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photo 7: detail of the hole in the the roof which gives access to to the place of concealment.


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False bulkhead 109 KGs cocaine

container CAXU 217062-7 empty container

ex m/v IVORY FALCON (flag: Singapore )

Cartagena

Antwerp

In the empty container CAXU 217062-7 a false bulkhead was detected which was attached to the inner back bulkhead with rivets. Behind the false bulkhead we found 96 packages cocaine with a total weight of 109 KGs.


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photo 1: external view of container CAXU 217062-7.

photo 2: view of the false bulkhead inside the container.


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photo 3: close up of the false bulkhead.

photo 4: view of the 96 packages cocaine who were hidden behind the false bulkhead.


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False bulkhead 59 KGs cocaine

container ICSU 168697-9 40’ empty container

ex m/v CHIQUITA DEUTSCHLAND (flag: Bahamas)

Turbo

Antwerp

During the examination of empty containers a welded false bulkhead was discovered in the back of the container. 50 packages with a total weight of 59 KGs cocaine were taped behind the false bulkhead.


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photo 1: external view of container ICSU 168697-9.

photo 2: internal view of the container.


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photo 3: close up of angle joints and false bulkhead.

photo 4: internal view of the right hand corner, showing traces of welding.


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photo 5: view of bulkhead levered out revealing large space.

photo 6: global view of the 50 packages cocaine hidden behind the false bulkhead.


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False bulkheads 4.325 KGs cannabis resin

Iso-tank container SECS 954978-0 Fish-oil 18.000 KGs. FCL - FCL

ex m/v TRICOLAR STAR (flag: )

Casablanca

Antwerp

The container was selected for examination from the risk analysis of the manifest. Gaugeing of the tank-container showed that the topsides of the tank were not round. After a positive reaction from the drug detector-dog on the outside of the container, the content of the container was transferred to another tank-container. After cleaning of container SECS 954978-0 a physical examination of the interior was done. During this examination false bulkheads in both topsides were detected. Behind the false bulkheads 4.325 kg cannabis resin was found.


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photo 1: external view of container SECS SECS 954978-0.

photo 2: internal view of the container, showing false bulkhead.


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photo 3: view of the packages of cannabis resin hidden behind the false bulkhead.

photo 4: view of the false bulkhead at the other top of the container .


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photo 5: close up up of the manhole past which the cannabis resin resin was loaded in the false bulkhead.

photo 6: close up of ventilation shaft in the false bulkhead. bulkhead.


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False floor 249 KG’s cocaine

container TRIU 214090-9 400 packages wooden broomsticks

10.140 KGs

FCL - FCL

ex m/v NUEVA ANDALUCIA (flag: Colombian)

Cartagena

Antwerp

The container was selected for examination by risk analysis of the manifest. The container was fully loaded with broomsticks. After unloading of the cargo we saw that there were new bolts in the floor. After removal of the floorboards, packages of cocaine were revealed. In total 228 packages with a total weight of 249 KGs were seized.


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photo 1: internal view of cargo in the container.

photo 2: internal view of conta iner, when one floorboard was removed .


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photo 3: close up of the packages of cocaine hidden in the floor.

photo 4: internal view of container, showing the floor boards removed revealing spaces between cross-members.


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False floor 1.750 KGs cannabis resin

container HARU 465049-7 One passenger truck Bedford 4.084 KGs. FCL - FCL

ex m/v CITY OF GLASGOW (flag: Cyprus)

Mombassa

A

The container was selected for examination by risk analysis of the manifest. In the back of the truck wooden benches were along both sides. Underneath these benches was a false floor concealment. This false floor concealment was detected by drilling after a positive reaction from the snifferdog. Cannabis resin was seized with a total weight of 1.750 KGs.


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photo 1: view of the passenger truck loaded on flat-container HARU 465049-7

photo 2: view of a part of the false floor concealment.


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photo 3: close up of a part of the place of concealment.

photo 4: view of the wooden benches in the back of the truck.


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photo 5: close up of the place of concealment underneath the wooden benches in the back of the truck.


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Floor and roof concealment 4.177.600 cigarettes

4 Empty trailers

ex m/v

BALTIC EIDER ( flag: Isle of Man) FINNROSE (flag: Swedish)

Helsinki

Estonia

Antwerp

Muuga

After received information from the Customs in Finland that cigarettes were hidden in 4 empty trailers an examination of the trailers was carried out in Antwerp. The trailers were shipped from Muuga (Estonia) to Helsinki. Afterwards the trailers were loaded in Helsinki on vessels with destination Antwerp. In the trailers cigarettes were hidden inside the roof and under the floor. A total number of 4.177.600 cigarettes were seized.


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photo 1: external view of one trailer.

photo 2: inside view of one trailer.


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photo 3: view of the floor of the empty trailer.

photo 4: view of the place of concealment in the floor.


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photo 5: view of the cigarettes hidden in the floor.

photo 6: global view of the cigarettes hidden in the floor.


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photo 7: view of the place where the cigarettes were hidden in the roo f of the trailer.

photo 8: global view of the places where the cigarettes were hidden in the trailers.


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Section IV Concealments, within the cargo inside the container Drugs or other goods are often hidden in, behind or amongst the cargo especially containers holding dirty cargo which makes examination and the use of drugs detector dogs difficult. Remember drugs or other goods can be hidden in any areas where there is space(hollow items etc.) The packing case/material is frequently used for concealing goods. In order to make detections of drugs or other goods in freight an intensive turnout and examination of the cargo and a nd packing cases is essential. This may entail opening each individual carton or item in a container because drugs or other goods can be hidden in similar cartons to those which contain the declared goods. Sometimes samples must be taken and analysis must be done by lab, because some drugs or alcohol can be dissolved or mixed in liquid products.


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Spirits 597 cartons “RAKI” x 12 x 0,7 L. x 45° 297 cartons “RAKI” x 24 x 0, 35 L. x 45°

Container ICSU 473749-4 1300 collies various food stuff

22.560 KGs

FCL - FCL

ex m/v m/v Ankara (flag: Antigua & Barbuda )

Istanbul

Antwerp

The container was selected for examination by risk analysis of the manifest. The container was loaded completely. The first 4 rows were loaded with cartons contained foodstuff, after which there were cartons which contained spirits “Raki”. All the goods were declared as foodstuff, destined for Germany. A controlled delivery to Germany was arranged.


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photo 1: external view of container ICSU 473749-4.

photo 2: view of the cartons with food stuff.


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photo 3: behind 4 rows cartons with foodstuff were cartons with with spirits “RAKI”.

photo 4: close up of one jar with foodstuff.


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photo 5: close up of one carton with “RAKI”.

photo 6: close up of one bottle 0,70 L. “RAKI”.


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Missile filled with explosives + launcher

Container CU.288626 (Shipper-owned) 1225 cartons of garlic sour and salt cucumber 19.860 KGs FCL - FCL

ex m/v IRAN KALAHDOOZ (flag: Iran)

Bander Abbas

Antwerp

Munich

The container was selected for examination by risk analysis of the manifest. The container was loaded completely. When the container was unloaded, two types of boxes appeared: one kind was loaded with “pickled cucumber” the other with “garlic Pickle”. In the front of the container were two boxes with dimensions 60 x 60 x 60 and one box with dimensions 160 x 60 x 60. 80% of the container had to be unloaded before these three boxes showed up. The boxes were unlabelled. The boxes consisted of wooden panels which were firmly nailed. One of the boxes was completely filled up with polystyrene foam, so view of the content of the box was blocked completely. After removing a part of the polystyrene foam we found a steel cylinder. In this cylinder we found a hole. In this hole we found a few plastic bags which were completely covered up with tape. One of these packages was opened and we saw a ignition tube. From this moment on we suspected these boxes to contain explosives. The army antibomb squad was contacted. This service removed the three boxes out of the container and unpacked them.


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The two little boxes each contained a steel cylinder, which had to be mounted together to create a launcher. In the big box a missile was found which was filled with explosives.

photo 1: view of cartons with “pickled cucumber” and “garlic pickle”.


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photo 2: view of the three boxes in the container.

photo 3: close up of one of the plastic bags covered up with tape. tape. In this packages we found a ignition tube.


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photo 4: close up of the missile which was filled with explosives.


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Stolen vehicle: Mercedes 500 (Value 74.368 euro)

container IEAU 451745-9 40 bales used clothing 20.000 KGs FCL - FCL

ex m/v DSR SENATOR (flag: Liberia)

U.S.A. Savannah

Antwerp in transit to

Cotonou

The container was selected for examination by risk analysis of the manifest. During the physical exam of the container we discovered a vehicle (Mercedes 500) under the used clothes. On the basis of the chassis-number, the U.S. Customs informed us that this vehicle was stolen. The vehicle was seized in Antwerp. Afterwards the vehicle was sent back to the owner in the States.


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photo 1: external view of container IEAU 451745-9.

photo 2: view of the cargo lo aded in container IEAU 451745-9.


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photo 3: view inside the container after he was partly discharged.

photo 4: close up of the stolen car ” Mercedes 500”.


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Weapons

containers CGMU 214446-3 CMBU 221497-6 4.400 cartons cooking ovens 17.809 KGs FCL - FCL

ex m/v ARGENTINA STAR (flag: Bahamas)

Rio Grande

Antwerp

Djibouti

The container was selected for examination by risk analysis of the manifest. During the physical exam of the container we saw that the first rows were loaded with cartons contained cooking ovens. Behind these cartons, similar cartons without marks were loaded. Each of these cartons contained two small boxes. Each of these boxes contained 2 revolvers. After stock-taking we found out that there were in the containers: - 4.400 cooking ovens; - 3.000 revolvers type 944 HP; - 2.000 revolvers type 272 CH; 29 revolvers type 94 No transit-licences were submitted to the Customs.


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photo 1: external view of one container loaded with cooking ovens and revolvers.

photo 2: view of the different cartons.


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photo 3: view of a box with two two revolvers.

photo 4: detail of a revolver.


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8.500.000 cigarettes

container TPHU 455470-5 1775 cartons of mixed assortment of slippers slippers and sandals 6.400 KGs FCL - FCL

ex m/v ZIM ANGLIA(flag: Malta)

Limassol

Antwerp

Bratislava

The container was selected for examination by risk analysis of the manifest. The container was loaded completely. During the physical exam we saw that there was a cardboard wall behind the first rows of cartons containing slippers and sandals. Behind the cardboard wall there were cartons which containing cigarettes “Golden America”. A total number of 8.500.000 cigarettes were seized.


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photo 1: external view of container TPHU 455470-5.

photo 2: view of the cartons loaded in container TPHU 455470-5.


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photo 3: view of the cardboard wall behind the first rows cartons.

photo 4: view of the cartons cigarettes cigarettes hidden behind the cardboard wall.


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photo 5: close up of the cartons containing slippers and sandals.

photo 6 : close up of a carton cigarettes “Golden American”.


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container FBLU 410886-6 1045 cases assorted tooth brushes 13.500 KGs FCL - FCL

ex m/v FOWAIRET (flag: Qatar)

Dubai

Antwerp

The container was selected for examination by risk analysis of the manifest. During the physical exam of the container we saw that the first rows were loaded with 200 cartons containing tooth brushes. Behind these cartons, bigger brown cartons were loaded. Each of these cartons contained a master cases of cigarettes “Bondstreet”. A total number of 8.450.000 cigarettes were seized.


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photo 1: external view of container FBLU 410886-6.

photo 2: view of the cartons loaded in container FBLU 410886-6.


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photo 3: close up of a carton containing tooth brushes.

photo 4: behind the first row of cartons with tooth brushes were different cartons.


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photo 5: view of a carton of cigarettes loaded behind the cartons cartons of tooth brushes.

photo 6: close up of the cigarettes “Bondstreet”.


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container LFEU 410059-8 aluminium scrap 17.500 KGs FCL -FCL

ex m/v AURA (flag: Antigua & Barbuda)

Antwerp

LATVIA

Riga

The container was selected for examination by risk analysis of the manifest. During the physical exam of the container, after drilling in the floor from outside, we found out that cigarettes “Superkings” were hidden behind the scrap. A total number of 4.860.000 cigarettes were seized.


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photo 1: external view of container LFEU 410059-8.

photo 2: close up of the seal attached on the container.


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photo 3: view of the scrap loaded in the container.

photo 4: view of the cartons cigarettes cigarettes “Superkings” hidden behind the scrap.


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photo 5: global view of the scrap loaded in the container.

photo 6: close up of a carton cigarettes “ Superkings”.


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2.200 KGs herbal cannabis

container DAYU 421760-4 362 bags of Swazi maize and sugar 20.400 KGs. FCL - FCL

ex m/v CMBT- ASIA (flag: Isle of Man)

Tema

Antwerp

The container was selected for examination by risk analysis of the manifest. On the container two bolt-seals were attached, of which only one was mentioned on the bill of lading. Underneath the bags of maize cartons containing herbal cannabis with a total weight of 2.200 KGs were found.


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photo 1: external view of container DAYU 421760-4.

photo 2: view of the cargo lo aded in container DAYU 421760-4.


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photo 3: close up of a bag of sugar.

photo 4: close up of a bag of maize.


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photo 5: view of the cartons hidden beneath the bags of maize.

photo 6: view of the cartons with packages herbal cannabis.


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4000 Litres piperonyl methyl ketone (PMK) (precursor cat. 1)

container CBHU 126886-0 739 cartons, 16” handware & plastic tool cases

12.415 KGs

FCL - FCL

ex m/v RIVER ELEGANCE (flag: Panama )

Shekou

Antwerp

The container was loaded with cartons contained plastic toolboxes. The toolboxes were of a poor quality. About one third of the container-length, alongside the bulkheads, we found similar cartons containing 10 litres drums filled with a liquid. The open space in the carton was filled up with plastic, insulation materials, paper etc. The liquid was identified as piperonyl methyl ketone (PMK), a precursor of cat. 1.


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photo 1: external view of container CBHU 126886-0.


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photo 2: view of the cargo loaded in container CBHU 126886-0.

photo 3: detail of one carton.


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photo 4: detail of the contents.

photo 5: view of the contents when the plates on top were removed.


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photo 6: view of one drum when the pla stic was removed.

photo 7: close up of a drum PMK.


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container PRSU 402854-0 140 packages sofa two place folding

4.760 KGs

FCL - FCL

ex m/v MSC KERRY (flag: Panama)

Antwerp

Ukraine

Ilyichevsk

The container was selected for examination by risk analysis of the manifest. During the physical exam of the container we found out that cigarettes “Regal” were hidden inside the sofa cushions. A total number of 2.184.000 cigarettes were seized.


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photo 1: external view of container PRSU 402854-0.

photo 2: view of the cargo loaded in container PRSU 402854-0.


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photo 3: close up of one sofa cushion.

photo 4: inside the sofa cushion cigarettes “Regal” “Regal” were hidden.


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photo 5: close up of the place of concealment.

photo 6: close up of the packages of cigarettes hidden in one sofa cushion.


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3.357.000 cigarettes “Superkings” 2.300.740 cigarettes “ Marlboro”

container CRXU 920327-0 798 cartons acoustic mineral fibre ceiling tiles

14.300 KGs

FCL - FCL

ex m/v FOWAREIT (flag: Qatar)

Dubai

The container was selected for examination by risk analysis of the manifest. The container was loaded completely with cartons on pallets. All the cartons were similar. The cartons on the two first rows were loaded with ceiling tiles. In all the other cartons cigarettes “Marlboro” and “Superkings” were hidden inside. A total number of 5.657.740 cigarettes were seized.


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photo 1: view of the cargo lo aded in container CRXU 920327-0.

photo 2: close up of the cartons of ceiling tiles.


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photo 3: view of the cigarettes hidden inside the cartons.

photo 4: close up of one carton.


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photo 5: close up of the way of concealment.

photo 6: close up of the cigarettes hidden in the cartons.


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container 850 pieces radiator

Ex: railway carriage

RUSSIA

The railway carriage was checked by a sniffer dog for tobacco. In the railway carriage were 850 pieces of radiator for heating. They were wrapped in plastic and placed on pallets. The radiators were placed in a container and scanned with the X-ray container scan. The cigarettes were very hard to see. The cigarettes were confiscated. The radiators were constructed in a way that they could be used for future smuggling attempts.


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photo 1: view of a pallet with radiators.

photo 2: detail of a radiator.


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photo 3: view of the cigarettes hidden in the radiators.

photo 4: the cigarettes were very ha rd to see on the images of the scan.


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photo 5: the radiators were constructed in a way that they could be used for future smuggling attempts.


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2.160 KGs cocaine

100 containers Carbon de Vapor (Cokes) 1.600.000 KGs. FCL - FCL

ex m/v ARAGUA (flag: Venezuela)

Maracaibo

Antwerp in transit

Final destination

In total there were 100 containers. Each container was loaded with 20 big bags, each filled with 800 KGs coke. All the sacks had a different number. All the sacks with a number starting with 68 contained cocaine. The cocaine was concealed inside blocks of ‘coke’(coal like fuel). The blocks of coke were fabricated with strong smelling glue and coal-dust. Inside the cocaine was wrapped up in cardboard, tape and plastic. The coke containing the cocaine was different from the normal coke, they were heavier, bigger and above all very hard to break up. Dropping the coke containing cocaine did not break it into pieces, where the normal coke easily broke. The way to open each coalblock was to open it up with a hammer. Each block in which the drugs were hidden, contained 0,500 kg of cocaine. In total 4.320 blocks were found.


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photo 1: view of a part of the 100 containers and how the sacks were placed inside.

photo 2: inscriptions on the sacks.


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photo 3: a positive sack and the difference in the size of the cokes.

photo 4: global view of the coal.


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photo 5: global view of the empty sacks.

photo 6: close up of the coals containing cocaine.


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photo 7: the way to open each coal was to split it with with a hammer.

photo 8: result after the “hammer-work”.


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photo 9: close up of a opened coal.

photo 10: how the coal was fabricated with strong smelling glue and coal-dust.


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photo 11: inside the coke was wrapped up in cardboard, tape and plastic.

photo 12: the coke was packed in three different ways; cylinders, squares and slabs.


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photo 13: the total amount was 2.160 KGs cocaine.


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Cigarettes

container BCDU 214026-8 paraffin 20.540 KGs FCL - FCL

ex railway

Antwerp

BELARUS

Minsk

The container was completely loaded with rolls of paraffin. During the physical exam of the container we found out that in the middle of the rolls a tube was placed, only the tops and both sides of the rolls was paraffin. Inside the tube cigarettes were hidden.


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photo 1: external view of container BCDU 214026-8.

photo 2: view of the rolls of paraffin loaded in container.


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photo 3: only the tops and both sides of the rolls was paraffin. In the middle of the rolls a tube was placed.

photo 4: close up of the cigarettes hidden in the tube inside the rolls of paraffin.


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143 KG’s cocaine

container CMBU 229973-6 66 coil and 38 plastic bags with “conforter cotton material for blue jeans”

5.934 KGs

FCL - FCL

ex m/v PARAGUAY EXPRESS (flag: Panama) Panama)

Santos

Antwerp

Container was selected on base of risk analysis of the cargo manifest. We remembered a seizure made in co-operation with the Dutch Customs, of 533 KG’s cocaine concealed in rolls of textiles. In the container were rolls of textiles and plastic bags with quilts. 12 rolls of textiles were hollowed out. In these rolls 134 packages cocaine with a total weight of 143 KG’s were hidden.


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photo 1: external view of container.

photo 2: container door open.


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photo 3: view of the plastic ba gs with quilts .

photo 4: detail of the quilts.


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photo 5: view of the rolls in the container.


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photo 6: view of the hiding place when the textile was unrolled.


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photo 7: view of packages of cocaine in one roll.

photo 8: detail of the packages packages of cocaine.


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photo 9: detail of the hollowed out space in the rolls.


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120

Cigarettes

container MSCU 869083-0 270 pieces boilers 8.500 KGs FCL - FCL

ex m/v MSC MARTINA (flag: Panama)

USA

Antwerp

LATVIA

Riga

The container was selected for examination by risk analysis of the manifest. The container was loaded with cartons on pallets. During the physical exam of the goods cigarettes were found inside the boilers. Afterwards we found out that the container was first shipped from China to Los Angeles(USA). From Los Angeles the container was sent to Houston by train. In Houston the container was loaded on the m/v MSC Martina destined for Antwerp. Because the final destination of the container was Riga(Latvia), a controlled delivery to Latvia was arranged.


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photo 1: external view of container MSCU 869083-0.

photo 2: view of the cartons loaded on pallets.


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photo 3: close up of a boiler.

photo 4: close up of a boiler after after top was removed.


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photo 5: close up of the cigarettes ”Benson & Hedges” hidden inside the boilers.


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2.090 KGs cannabis resin

container CTIU 211426-2 325 cartons cartons cotton trousers 10.000 KGs. KGs. FCL - FCL

ex m/v VICTORIA BAY (flag: Liberia)

Mombassa

The container was selected for examination by risk analysis of the manifest. In the front of the container among the cartons with jeans, there was a bee-nest and a lot of cockroaches. After the cartons with jeans were cartons of different size also containing jeans but with these trousers cannabis resin was found with a total weight of 2.090 KGs.


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photo 1: external view of container CTIU 211426-2.

photo 2: close close up of the bee-nest.


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photo 3: close up of the stamp on the cartons.

photo 4: close up of the trousers in one carton .


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photo 5: close up up of the way of concealment.

photo 6: close up of one slice cannabis resin .


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170 KGs cocaine

Flat-rack container CAXU 571648-1 2 2 pieces of gas-compressors 4.450 KGs FCL - FCL

ex m/v CORAL REEF (flag: Sri Lanka)

Santa Marta

Antwerp

Both compressors were in bad condition. The tanks on top of both compressors were freshly painted. When we drilled through one of the tanks we discovered an iron plate inside the tank. This plate should not normally be in a compressor-tank. So we drilled through the inner plate as well. The drill revealed that there was cocaine inside both tanks. Further examination of both tanks showed that there was an iron container in both tanks containing cocaine with a total weight of 170 KGs.


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photo 1: view of container CAXU 571648-1.

photo 2: view of both compressors compressors loaded on container CAXU CAXU 571648-1.


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photo 3: close up of the drill after we drilled into the tank tank of a compressor.

photo 4: view of the iron container in one of the tanks.


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photo 5: view of the packages of cocaine in the iron container.

photo 6: view of the iron container in the second tank.


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photo 7: view of the iron container after it was opened.

photo 8: view of the packages in the second iron container.


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1063 KGs cannabis resin

container OCLU 094757-5 860 bags industrial salt 21.500 KGs FCL - FCL

ex m/v HAMBURG (flag: German)

Casablanca

Antwerp

The container was selected for examination by risk analysis of the manifest. Our drug detecting-dog reacted positive upon the container. During the physical examination we found out that in the second half of the container packages of cannabis resin were concealed among the salt in the sacks. 1063 KGs cannabis resin were seized.


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photo 1: internal view of container.


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photo 2: close up of a saltsack.

photo 3: view of packages concealed among the salt.


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photo 4: close up of the packages of cannabis resin.


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containers TEXU 536852-4 MAEU 836298-1 each container: container: 8 bundles rough furniture purchase 22.700 KG’s KG’s FCL - FCL

ex m/v SEALAND INITIATIVE(flag: German) German)

Rotterdam

UKRAINE

Final destination ?

The containers were selected, by Dutch Customs for examination by container-scan, from risk analysis of the manifest. X-ray image showed that the containers were loaded completely. The X-ray image showed also that within the bundles of wood cigarettes were hidden. In the two containers a total amount of 6.300.000 pieces of cigarettes were found. All the cigarettes were confiscated in Rotterdam.


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photo 1: X-ray image showing showing that the container was loaded loaded completely.


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photo 2: X-ray image showing that within the bundles of wood wood cigarettes were hidden.


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photo 3: external view of container TEXU 536852-4

photo 4: internal view of container doors open. open.


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141

photo 5: view of one bundle wood. wood.

photo 6: detail of concealment place. Note the wood that covered the concealment place is darker than the wood all round.


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photo 7: detail of the cigarettes hidden in the wood.

photo 8: view of the cigarettes hidden in the wood.


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2. 506.000 cigarettes

26 pallets Square Edged boards 21.800 KGs

ex truck

Antwerp

Lithuania

Kaunas

The truck was controlled upon arrival in Antwerp. The papers on board the truck indicated that the load was destined for an address in Antwerp. No company was found to be located at the address. The truck was checked and inside the wood cigarettes brand “REGAL” were discovered. A total of 26 pallets of wood were loaded on the truck and in 24 of them cigarettes were found. Each pallet had 144 pieces of wood (8 x 8 x 180), inside 90 of them cigarettes were hidden. A total of 2.506.000 cigarettes were found hidden inside the wood.


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photo 1: view of the pallets o f wood loaded on the truck.

photo 2: close up of one pallet of wood.


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photo 3: view of the cigarettes hidden in the wood.

photo 4: close up of the cigarettes hidden in the wood.


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photo 5: close up of a hollowed out beam.


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825 KGs cannabis resin

container GSTU 454738/9 183 empty pallets + 35 wooden panels 4.949 KGs FCL - FCL

ex m/v Seinehaven (flag: Antigua)

Casablanca

Antwerp

The container was selected for examination by risk analysis of the manifest. After drilling the supporting beams of a pallet we discovered that they were hollow and that they concealed cannabis resin. Each pallet had three supporting beams in which approximately 9 KGs cannabis resin were concealed. The total weight of the cannabis resin was 825 KGs.


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photo 1: external view of container GSTU 454738-9


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photo 2: view of the cargo in the container.

photo 3: close up of a supporting beam of pallet.


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photo 4: view of a hollowed out supporting beam.

photo 5: in each supporting b eam 9 KGs cannabis resin was concealed.


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100 KGs cocainepaste

9 wooden boxes brass objects on semiprecious stones 1.634 KGs ex groupage container ICSU 353041-3 LCL - LCL

ex m/v MARWAN (flag: Cyprus)

Santos

Antwerp

Essen

The 9 boxes were loaded together with other cargo in a groupage container. After unloading of the container and drilling in the planks of the 9 wooden boxes, we discovered that the wooden planks of 7 boxes were hollowed out. In these wooden planks, cocainepaste was found with a total weight of 100 KGs. Goods were destined for Germany.


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photo 1: view of one of the 9 wooden boxes.

photo 2: view of the cargo in one wooden box.


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153

photo 3: view of one wooden plank containing cocainepaste.

photo 4: close up of the cocainepaste.


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photo 5: close up of one hollowed out wooden plank


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container CATU 281005-3 801 pieces pieces of furniture components 20.000 KGs. FCL - FCL

ex m/v KINTAMPO (flag: Isle of Man)

Tin Can Island Lagos

Antwerp

The container was selected for examination by risk analysis of the manifest. In front of the container were wooden planks. Behind these planks were wooden beams which were hollowed out. In these beams was herbal cannabis with a total weight of 1.020 KGs.


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photo 1: external view of the container.

photo 2: view of the wooden planks in the front of the container.


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photo 3: view of the wooden beams which were behind the planks.

photo 4: close up of the hole that we drilled drilled in one of the wooden beams.


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photo 5: close up of one hollowed out wooden beam.

photo 6: close up of the herbal cannabis inside one hollowed out wooden beam.


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532 KGs cocaine

containers SENU 422006-4 wooden beams / railway sleepers 17.304 KGs. FCL - FCL

ex m/v DSR SENATOR (flag: Liberian)

La Guaira

Rotterdam

Antwerp

The container was checked with a drug-detector dog in the port of Rotterdam. Hidden inside the hollowed out wooden beams 532 KGs of cocaine was found. A controlled delivery to Belgium was arranged. 7 persons were arrested.


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photo 1: external view of container SENU 422006-4.

photo 2: view of the cargo in container SENU 422006-4.


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photo 3: close up of the wooden beams (railway (railway sleepers).

photo 4: view of the packages cocaine in one hollowed out wooden beam.


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photo 5: close up of packages cocaine found in one of the hollowed out beams.

photo 6: view of the ho llowed out wooden beams/ railway sleepers.


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container INBU 486256-9 858 cartons porcelain flower pot 13.728 KGs FCL - FCL

ex m/v CMA INCHON (flag: Liberian)

Xiamen

Antwe

The container was selected for examination by risk analysis of the manifest. During the physical examination of the container we saw that only 58 cartons were loaded with flower pots. Behind these cartons were loaded similar cartons with a different letter-stamp. Each of these cartons contained a master cases of cigarettes “Marlboro”. A total number of 8.000.000 cigarettes were seized.


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photo 1: external view of container INBU 486256-9.

photo 2: view of the cargo lo aded in the container.


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photo 3: close up of the cartons loaded in container INBU 486256-9. On the left a carton containing cigarettes, on the right a carton containing earthenware; Notice the different of letter- stamps on the cartons.

photo 4: close up of the contents of the cartons.


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containers TPHU 467879-5 ICSU 130980-4 Boxes with fruit conserves, pine apple in syrup 46.220 KGs. FCL - FCL

ex m/v NEDLLOYD CLEMENT (flag: Netherlands)

Buenaventura

An

The container TPHU 467879-5 was loaded with cartons each containing 6 tins with pineapple in syrup. Behind the first rows were similar cartons, less in weight and with another coloured stamp on. These cartons contained similar tins, only the top of the tins were not ribbed. Those tins were filled with herbal cannabis with a total weight of 14.000 KGs. Container ICSU 130980-4 was negative.


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photo 1: external view of container TPHU 467879-5.

photo 2: view of the cargo in container TPHU 467879-5


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photo 3: view in container TPHU 467879-5.

photo 4: close up of one tin and one carton with pine-apple in syrup.


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photo 5: view of two cartons from container TPHU 467879-5 On the right side a carton carton with a blue coloured stamp, containing tins with pine-apple. On the left side a carton with a black coloured stamp, containing tins with herbal cannabis.

photo 6: close up of two tins. On the right side a tin with ribbed top, containing pine-apple in syrup, On the left side a similar tin, only the top is not ribbed, containing herbal cannabis.


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photo 7: close up of different opened tins.

photo 8: close up of one tin containing herbal cannabis.


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117 KGs cocaine

container IEAU 251955-5 12 pallets with 100 drums vegetable vegetable oil 5.580 KGs FCL - FCL

ex m/v IVORY DAWN (flag: Bahamas)

Santa Marta

Antwerp

During the examination we pierced every drum, without result. During the piercing we detected 2 drums with oil which had a totally different smell than all the others. At the bottom of these drums there was a white pulp. A Beckton-Dickingson test for cocaine was negative. Nevertheless we brought some samples to the lab and the analysis showed that cocaine was dissolved in the oil. Only two drums were positive. According the lab analysis the total amount of cocaine dissolved in the oil was 117 KGs.


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photo 1: external view of container IEAU 251955-5.


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photo 2: view of all the drums with vegetable oil after unloading.

photo 3: view of the unloaded drums drums vegetable oil.


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photo 4: from every drum we took a sample.

photo 5: close up up of the opening of a drum. The remnant of a white pulp was visible.


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photo 6: view of one drums with remnants of vegetable oil.

photo 7: on the left a sample of the vegetable oil in which cocaine was dissolved, on the right a sample of the vegetable oil.


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NOT ONLY IN CONTAINERS AND TRAILERS, BUT ALSO IN

BULK GOODS


Bleached sulphite softwood pulp 545.300 KGs

ex m/v KAPITAN KUROPTEV (flag: Russia)

Antwerp

RUSSIA

Leningrad

When unloading the vessel, some bales fell to the ground. A local custom officer saw that some of the bales had boxes concealed inside. All the bales were numbered from 1 to 4. The bales with numbers 2 or 4 each contained 6 Master cartons of cigarettes (REGAL). A total number of 14.810.000 cigarettes were found inside the bales of softwood pulp.


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photo 1: view of discharge of the vessel.

photo 2: view of the bales of softwood pulp.


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photo 3: view of bales(NR. 4) in which cigarettes were hidden.

photo 4: close up of the place of concealment.


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photo 5: close up of one opened bale in which cigarettes were hidden.

photo 6: close up of the master cases cigarettes “Regal” hidden inside the bales.


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Section V Rip-off This is a 100% legitimate shipment(legitimate cargo, shipper, consignee, notify party, routing etc.), used for drugsmuggling. The drugs are in general not well hidden. Any commodity can be used. The use of legitimate shipments makes risk analysis useless. It used to be on top of the cargo, just behind the doors. ad Some seizures of cocaine were concealed in the 2 row underneath sacks of coffee. In many cases a new seal with the original number is attached to the bags of cocaine. The place to retrieve the cocaine or other goods can be: • on the terminal; during transport from terminal to consignee; on the ship if the container is accessible (involvement of crew). • •


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360 KGs cocaine

container MLCU 235551-2 250 bags clean Colombian coffee in sisal bags 17.535 KGs.

ex m/v CCNI CHAGRES (flag: Germany )

Buenaventura

An

During the physical exam of the container, 9 bags totally different from those containing coffee, were found at the bottom of the second row of coffee sacks. All the 9 bags contained cocaine with a total weight of 360 KGs. Although it was a rip-off, one could notice no irregularities by just opening the doors of the container. One had to unload the first two rows of coffee bags to get access to the bags with cocaine. On one of the 9 bags was a new seal attached with the same number as the original seal shown on the bill of lading.


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photo 1: external view of container MLCU 235551-2.

photo 2: view of the cargo lo aded in the container.


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photo 3: view of the 9 bags with cocaine found on the bottom of the second row behind and beneath bags of coffee.

photo 4: close up of one bag containing cocaine.


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photo 5: view of the new seal attached to one of the 9 bags.

photo 6: close up of the new seal that was attached to one of the 9 bags.


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75 KGs cocaine

container MSCU 286872-9 250 bags bags clean clean and dry coffee coffee in hessian sacks 17.621 KGs.

ex m/v POL AMERICA (flag:Panama (flag:Pana ma )

Buenaventura

A

When the container was opened for discharge by stevedores, they found two black bags on the top of the coffee sacks. Both bags contained in total 75 KGs cocaine. The bags were closed with a padlock. On one of the sacks a new seal with the original number was attached.


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photo 1: external view of container MSCU 286872-9.

photo 2: close up of one bag containing packages cocaine.


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photo 3: the bags containing cocaine were closed with a padlock.

photo 4: view of the packages of cocaine found in the 2 bags.


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Good Practice Guide Ch 6 Concealment Methods

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