Release Drug Trafficking Tuna Vessels from Mexico Still Unofficial ff
16 October 2002
Mexico
Since September of 1996, six tuna vessels that seized by the PGR authorities have been kept anchored in Port Ensenada, Mexico, because the owners have been accused drug trafficking.
Despite the unofficial versions indicating that these six ships have been released, the Ensenada Harbor Authorities have not yet received official notice for their release.
According to the Harbor’s Chief Jose Luis Rivers Hernandez, the official discharge itself would be a very positive set for the port, since the ships are occupying useful quay space. A release would benefit the harbor, in addition to ending a latent danger for the harbor infrastructure. Their release will also solve the security problems, which have been permanently present since the seizure.
The tuna vessels are Juliana MarÃa, Kino, VizcaÃno, Ciprés, Clafia and El Sauzal. All the ships belong to fishing companies from La Paz South Baja California, which were administrated by Manuel Rodriguez, a presumed member of the Colombian Carli cartel, pursued for a penal process for drug trafficking.
The vessels seized in September of 1996 and anchored at Port Ensenada will –in due time- have to pass through a series of inspections and certifications before leaving the harbor. Because of the length of time elapsed, their owners are forced to guarantee the vessels will be put in good condition. During their first year, PGR contracted a maintenance company to keep the vessels in good condition. These services were ceased due to expenses and since 1997, they are only been monitored by the Marine Secretary personnel. The monitoring has been done externally, without any crew revision on board.
