The Customs Department seized a Delta Petroleum Limited storage tank holding nearly 250,000 gallons of fuel on Sept. 20, according to court records.
Eight days later, Delta sued to get it back.
A Customs investigation launched on Aug. 28 sought to determine whether or not the company had brought a shipment of fuel into the territory without authorisation, according to Arliene Penn, director of communications in the Premier’s Office.
“The Customs Department is heading the investigation,” she said. “Police are not involved.”
Last week, Delta filed a civil claim against Customs Commissioner Wade Smith, which was heard in judge’s chambers of the High Court Tuesday.
In its claim, Delta is seeking a declaration that the fuel tank seizure was wrongful; an order for “immediate return” of the tank and fuel; and costs and damages for the wrongful seizure.
Mr. Smith and Delta Regional Manager Bevis Sylvester declined to comment on the ongoing case.
See the Oct. 4, 2012 edition for full coverage.
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