German Ferry Company FRS Faces Legal Woes After Drug Bust in Morocco

This decision follows the company’s refusal to pay the Customs and Indirect Taxes Administration (ADII) a fine of around 183 million dirhams, as damages. The Guardia Civil of Algeciras had intercepted, on August 12, a cargo of 4.5 tons of hashish, coming from the port of Tanger-Med, on board the ship Tanger Express. Using a garbage truck, the traffickers had introduced the drugs into the ship.

This discovery led to the arrest and indictment of three company employees. They were incarcerated. Subsequently, the Moroccan authorities decided to deepen their investigations to determine the possible responsibilities of the FRS company. It appears that the shipping company did not comply with the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code.

"Like any shipping company, FRS must comply with certain safety instructions. For example, only the persons designated by the captain can access the garage. In the case of FRS, no list was registered. The issue of surveillance equipment on board the ship also arises," confides a senior official at the Ministry of Transport to Le360. The Tangier drug squad is conducting a judicial investigation.