Seizure of Rs 6.4 billion worth of cocaine: DNA samples collected from the 24 crew members of Alpha Bravery

DNA samples were collected yesterday from the 24 crew members of the ship Alpha Bravery by officers from the Scene of Crime Office, following the seizure of Rs 6.4 billion worth of cocaine aboard the vessel. The crew members, who have been questioned so far, deny any involvement. The drug cargo was discovered last Sunday by the chief engineer, who immediately alerted the captain. The Alpha Bravery is currently located about two nautical miles off the coast of Mauritius, under the surveillance of the National Coast Guard (NCG).

Officers from the anti-drug brigade, accompanied by members of the Scene of Crime Office (SOCO), boarded the Alpha Bravery yesterday using a speedboat from the NCG. The DNA samples collected from the 24 crew members still on board will be compared to those found on the cocaine packages.

The chief engineer, who discovered the packages, was extensively questioned yesterday. He explained that the drugs were hidden in a very isolated part of the ship, which he inspects every month.

During his monthly round last Friday, he stumbled upon the packages and immediately notified the captain.

Pending the continuation of the investigation, the Alpha Bravery is not allowed to leave Mauritian waters. It remains under constant surveillance by the National Coast Guard, with the crew members on board, except for the captain and the chief engineer.

According to initial investigation findings, the ship reportedly spent nearly a month in Brazil before heading towards Singapore.