Updated | Freeport denies reports on ‘vanished’ container

The Malta Freeport today denied reports, which alleged that a container carrying cigarettes allegedly “disappeared” from the Freeport. The reports appeared on PN newspaper in-Nazzjon and news portal maltarightnow.

Adds Customs Department statement

The reports said that customs officials had admitted that the container which carried cigarettes for local consumption “disappeared by mistake.”

But in a statement issued today the Freeport said that on 16 June, the container was erroneously loaded on a vessel instead of another container which had a similar identification code.

“However, in a matter of a few hours the container was identified and arrangement were in place to have the container returned to the Freeport.”

In addition, the Freeport said that the case is being investigated and disciplinary action will be taken against two officials.

The PN media held that the container was “under observation” and an unknown person gave instructions to load the container on an outbound vessel.

In a separate statement, the Customs Department confirmed that the container was “erroneously loaded on a vessel heading to Greece” and the container was reloaded on a ship heading back to Malta on Sunday 22 June. The conatianer is expected to reach the Freeport tomorrow.

The department added that the container’s movements are being tracked at all times and an 9inspection will be carried out upon its arrival.

Moreover, the Customs Department said that two containers which were intercepted on Saturday carrying contraband cigarettes have been confiscated and investigations are underway.