Hidden weapons found on UK cargo vessel
December 23, 2011
Finnish authorities yesterday impounded 160 tonnes of explosives and 69 surface-to-air Patriot missiles found on a UK-flagged cargo vessel.
The ship was bound for Shanghai, officials said, adding that the weapons’ ultimate destination was not clear.
The Thor Liberty had sailed from the German port of Emden on 13 December and two days later docked in Kotka to pick up a cargo of anchor chains, said Finnish Customs spokesman Petri Lounatmaa.
Investigating officers said there was no indication of the origin of the missiles or who was supposed to receive them, Lounatmaa said.
“We have impounded the explosives and missiles,” he said.
Dock workers found the explosives stored on open pallets instead of in closed containers. They alerted inspectors, who found the missiles in containers that were marked as being packed with fireworks.
Courtesy of IFW
