White-Labeille

Cape Verde tries again to sell the 'Eser' which was seized with more than 9.5 tons of cocaine in 260 bales on board in 2019, after a failed sale to the Cape Verdean US emigrant Romão Barros, who had been the winner of the previous public tender, held on Jan 5, 2021. According to the new notice for the sale, the Ministry of Finance of Cape Verde, through the General Directorate of Patrimony and Public Procurement (DGPCP), has once again set the value of 635,000 Euros as a basis for bidding. The vessel was previously the object of a public tender for sale, also upon proposal in a closed letter, "which observed all formalities and legal rules established for the purpose", but that the winner "has absolutely failed to fulfill the legal responsibilities , arising from its condition to sell. The winning competitor would later be considered as withdrawn and, as a result, the contest was declared void”, read the new notice from Sep 15, 2021. For this new tender, the opening of proposals is scheduled at the headquarters of the Ministry of Finance, in Praia, on Oct 1 at 10:00 a.m. The “Eser” has been berthed in Praia port since Jan 31, 2019. On Feb 20,, 2020, the Praia court sentenced the 11 Russian crew members to 12 and 10 years in prison, following what was considered to be the largest cocaine seizure in Cape Verde. After opening the bid, the successful tenderer has 24 hours to transfer 25% of the value, under penalty of cancellation of the tender, and the remaining 75% have to be paid within 10 days, according to the conditions of the public tender.

The Russian crew of the "Eser", which was arrested in Praia, Cape Verde, after 9.5 tons of cocaine were found on board, was still in detention, awaiting a trial, but at least they were cleared of suspicion on a possible crime. One crew member who died during voyage, was found to be victim of septic shock and extensive bleeding, caused by an infection. He had died in the evening of Jan 22, 2019, and the ship interrupted its voyage and sailed to Cape Verde, to disembark body and carry out all necessary formalities. It was being berthed in Praia since Jan 31, having sailed from Colon on Jan 4.

The "Eser" was detained in Praia, Cape Verde, on Jan 31, 2019, after the police found and seized 9.5 tons of cocaine on board. All 11 Russian crew members were arrested. The ship sailed from Colon on Jan 4, bound for Tangier, but had to make an emergency call at Praia, after one of the crew members died. The cause of his death unknown. By the time the ship docked at Praia on Jan 31, the local police already knew about possible drug smuggling.