3 days after leaving the Land Cruiser at the terminal in Varu, we were contacted and picked up by our forwarding agent in Cartagena for the obligatory narcotics inspection.
Inside the port-terminal, the owner of each vehicle was instructed to park in a designated area.
The vehicles were lined up on the dock, waiting for the customs officers and their dog. It was a very hot day, and we were all baking (sweating) in the glaring sun. We were told to open everything and leave all removable content outside and alongside the vehicles – even the roof-top tents and kitchen drawers were opened.
Then we all waited for our turn – our turn to be inspected. In my case the dog (a dark brown German shepherd) eagerly jumped in and sought for the right smell everywhere in the vehicle – front seats, cargo area and in the back. And of course, also everything that I had removed from the vehicle and placed on the ground beside the car was sniffed on.
During this process, I was asked by our agent if I would like to give an oil spray bottle, that I had placed in my toolbox, to the customs officer. And of course, I responded that I would love to do so… No comments, it’s just the way it works. 😊
After well an hour’s inspection of the 10 or so vehicles, the customs officers and the dog fortunately did not find any drugs. We all left relieved that the exercise was over, and dripping of sweat we exited the guarded port area, redelivered the obligatory safety-west, helmet and safety shoes, and returned to Cartagena in the freight forwarder’s car. The job was done, and the vehicles are now on the way back to Europe.
The car carrier Hoegh Oslo left the terminal in Cartagena 13.06.2025 – for us it means hasta la vista in Antwerp towards the end of June or early July.
elworldtrip 
Posted on June 12, 2025 by oyvinkyvik
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