Sources said the Customs authorities had sought help from the Ordnance factory and the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre in identifying the true nature of the cargo. Sources further said the verification would be done on Friday morning as the experts from these institutions were expected then.

Kandla Customs Commissioner Prem Das, when contacted on Thursday, remained tight-lipped about the matter, admitting only that the ship had been detained and the contents would be verified.

The ship was impounded under orders from Bombay High Court and Customs officials were to examine the cargo following reports that the vessel may be carrying arms and ammunition to be unloaded at Karachi. The ship's technical cargo was declared as water treatment equipment in the bill of landing.

The Customs authorities have so far not sought the help of Kutch police. Anjar Deputy Superintendent of Police Shashikant Trivedi explained that since the verification was purely a Customs related matter under the Customs Act, they (the police) did not come into the picture now. However, he said they had offered their help to the Customs authorities and had in fact instructed the Kandla police to be in constant contact with them for any help the Customs department sought.

The impounded vessel is still at its mooring point in mid-stream in the port harbour.