After six months of detention in Tenerife, seven young men of Indian origin have been able to make their first statement to the judge. The sailors were on board the 'United S.' when 10 tons of cocaine were seized at sea in January, marking the largest drug bust in Canarian waters at that time.
The young men, who felt "ignored" for a long time, testified via videoconference before the Special Anti-Drug Prosecutor's Office of the Audiencia Nacional. Following the investigative session, the case will proceed, although the sailors felt they needed "a little more time" to present their version of events.
“"The boys have shown at all times that they want to cooperate with justice so that this ends soon, and every Monday they come to court to sign, as was ordered."
Nitish Khatnani, an Indian-origin resident of Gran Canaria, has become a crucial support for the young men since reading about their situation in March. Initially granted provisional release with precautionary measures, the sailors spent some nights outdoors until the association Stella Maris offered them shelter, and later the city council provided accommodation. Currently, the Spanish Commission for Refugee Aid (Cear) has provided them with a place to live while they await the resolution of their judicial process.
The young men are being investigated for a crime against public health, drug trafficking, membership in a criminal organization, and illegal possession of weapons, due to indications that they may have been coerced into loading the drugs. Despite improved communication with their lawyers, their lives remain on hold, unable to work due to the retention of their passports.
Thanks to Cear's assistance, some of the young men are learning Spanish, allowing them greater connection with society. The Indian community on the islands, both in Tenerife and Gran Canaria, has provided support with donations of clothing and food. A family from southern Tenerife prepares typical dishes for them weekly to bring them closer to home.
The association Stella Maris and its president, Juan Esteban Pérez, were the first to offer them help. The International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) also denounced their situation. However, the young men lament the lack of contact from the Embassy of India in Spain.
The sailors, aged between 20 and 26, began their journey in Egypt and paid around $6,000 to work on the vessel, suggesting they might be victims of a human trafficking ring. They did not receive wages during their time on the ship.
“"I am honest, I tell them that it is not an easy situation, but at least I try to guarantee that their children will have food and clothes and will not sleep on the street."
The investigation originated from the Operation White Tide by the National Police, which seized nearly 10 tons of cocaine approximately 530 kilometers from the Canary Islands, arresting 13 crew members, including the seven young men. The ship remains sealed, preventing the sailors from accessing it to gather potential evidence of their innocence.
“"We don't know if they are guilty or not, but at least human rights must be respected for these people."
