Senegal

Smuggling

Customs authorities in Senegal have introduced tight controls on smuggling by crew members and are imposing heavy fines on vessels whose crew are found taking even small quantities of ships' stores ashore. One recent incident involved the imposition of a fine of Euro230,000 in respect of a crew member discovered trying to sell six drums of lub oil, with a value of about Euro68. The fine was reportedly based on the total value of the bunkers on board the vessel. Shipowners are urged to take special care when trading to Senegal to ensure that a close watch is maintained on ships' stores.