Cargo Ship MV Debi Released After Over A Year-Long Detention At Paradip Port

The Orissa High Court has ordered the release of the cargo ship MV Debi, which was detained at Paradip Port for more than a year after authorities found 22 kilograms of cocaine on board.

The bulk carrier registered in Panama and managed by Vietnam-based Asia Pacific Shipping Company had been stuck at the port since November 2023 due to both a drug investigation and unpaid port dues.

MV Debi arrived at Paradip Port on November 30, 2023, carrying a shipment of steel plates from Indonesia, with Denmark as its final destination.

During an inspection, a longshoreman spotted suspicious packages hidden under a crane.

Officials later confirmed that the packages contained 22 kilograms of cocaine, worth approximately ₹220 crore, making it the largest drug seizure at the port.

The drugs were attached to the crane using magnets. After the discovery was made, Customs authorities seized the ship and restricted its movement, ordering that no authorisation…

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