Chevron's explosives detained by Ctg customs
The customs authority detained 55,200 kilogrammes of explosives, imported by Chevron and being transported in a local vessel in Chittagong, on Thursday as the consignment was being carried without the navy's knowledge and police protection.
Chittagong Custom House sources said Chevron, in compliance with necessary procedures, imported 55,200 kg of Powergel Seismic and 3,000 kg of accessories used in conducting seismic surveys.
The consignment was brought to the port channel by a lighter vessel, Aguntak-3, from the mother vessel, MV Noahsatu, around 9:00pm.
“Bangladesh Navy was not informed of the handling and there was no police protection either, preconditions for the delivery of explosive goods,†said Mahabubuzzaman, additional commissioner of customs.
The consignment was kept at No 14 Ghat of River Karnaphuli under the supervision of Bangladesh Navy and Bangladesh Coast Guard. Necessary measures will be taken against the clearing and forwarding agent concerned for breaching the preconditions, he said.
An official of Chevron told the daily Prothom Alo that everything was done transparently with the government's permission.
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