DFA assists seamen arrested for drugs

DFA assists seamen arrested for drugs
Genivi Verdejo April 6, 2022 https://www.manilatimes.net/2022/04/06/business/maritime/dfa-assists-sea...

THE Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has been closely monitoring the situation of the four Filipino seafarers who were arrested for alleged importation of a commercial quantity of border-controlled drugs in Australia.

The case of the four seafarers of the Cyprus-flagged Safe Bulkers vessel, Kypros Bravery, is being monitored by the DFA through the Philippine Consulate General in Melbourne and the Philippine Embassy in Canberra, Australia.

"The DFA stands ready to provide necessary assistance, including legal assistance to protect the Filipino seafarers' rights and ensure that they are given due process and a fair trial," the DFA said.

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) intercepted a shipment of more than 416 kilograms of cocaine with a street value of $250 million, which was dropped in waters off Adelaide.

AFP Assistant Commissioner Peter Harvey said an investigation was launched in mid-March after an assessment of an intelligence report that Kypros Bravery was to be used to traffic illicit drugs into Australia.

Police arrested the four seafarers and charged them with "importing a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug," which has a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.

The Filipino seafarers were in good health when they spoke with the representatives of the Philippine Consulate General in Melbourne. They requested the officials to inform their families about what happened. They were being treated well by the Australian authorities.

The four Filipino seafarers were individually provided with public defenders when they appeared at Port Adelaide Magistrates Court on April 1, 2022. The Philippine Overseas Labor Office in Canberra has been in touch with the shipping/manning agency of the cargo vessel.

"The Philippine government, under the leadership of President Duterte, expects all Filipinos to uphold the rule of law wherever they may be," DFA said.