Detained Russian Ship Released By S.Africa: Police

South African police said Wednesday they had released a Russian-registered cargo ship which was detained for three weeks on suspicion of carrying illegal weapons and explosives en route to the Nigerian city of Lagos.

Port Elizabeth, South Africa, Sept 12 (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 12th Sep, 2018 ) :South African police said Wednesday they had released a Russian-registered cargo ship which was detained for three weeks on suspicion of carrying illegal weapons and explosives en route to the Nigerian city of Lagos.

The vessel, named Lada, had reportedly left Madagascar before stopping at Ngqura port outside the eastern city of Port Elizabeth, where it was held after a security check on August 19.

"The vessel was released on Saturday after it had obtained all the necessary documentation and all procedures finalised," Hangwani Mulaudzi, spokesman for the Hawks police investigative unit, told AFP.

"We are continuing with our investigations into the vessel's shipping agents," he said,without making further comment.

Local reports said police had searched the vessel after an anonymous tip-off and found weapons and explosives worth about $3.5 million in 20 containers on board.