Estonians arrested in Indian weapons raid

Fourteen Estonian nationals have been arrested in India after a ship they were on and carrying illegal weapons was seized last week.

The U.S.-owned MV Seaman Guard Ohio was detained by the Indian Coast Guard and is anchored at Tuticorin port in the southern state of Tamil Nadu, reports BBC.

The ship contained 31 assault rifles and 5,000 round of ammunition, which has been confiscated after Indian officials say they were brought into the country illegally.

A total of 35 crew members were arrested. British, Indian and Ukrainian nationals were also among the crew.

The vessel seized is owned by U.S.-based firm AdvanFort, a company that provides maritime security services to protect ships from pirate attacks, reports the Times of India.

A spokesperson from the Indian embassy in Finland who deals with Estonian enquiries told The Baltic Times: “I’m sure the Indian court will be involved with this case. If they have been found carrying weapons without any permission, then investigations will be carried out. Government intervention will be required to see why they were there. It’s for the Estonian government now to see.”