3 Russian sailors detained in Egypt over drug smuggling arrive in Moscow – Trade Union

Three of the five Russian cargo ship sailors earlier detained in the Egyptian port city of Alexandria over alleged transportation of drugs arrived in Moscow on Thursday morning.

The Southern territorial organisation of the Russian Seafarers’ Union disclosed this.

On Wednesday, the Russian Consulate General said that five Russian citizens who were crew members of the Soy cargo ship were arrested in Alexandria, presumably due to the fact that drugs containing narcotic substances were found on board the vessel.

According to the diplomatic mission, the cargo ship, which sails under the flag of Comoros, was seized on Nov. 4.

The union said that the sailors were supposed to depart for Moscow on Nov. 17.

“The plane carrying the sailors landed in Moscow in the morning,” the union’s press service told reporters.

According to the press service, the sailors bought air tickets at their own expense, while two other sailors remain in Egypt.

Earlier in the month, Russian diplomats told Sputnik they would seek strict observance of all the rights and legitimate interests of Russian citizens, including ensuring regular consular visits.