Portuguese authorities have seized five tonnes of cocaine from the Maersk-owned container ship Maersk Nokwanda in a significant high-seas operation, highlighting the growing threat of drug trafficking methods through legitimate trade routes.
Interception Details and Findings
The joint operation was carried out under the coordination of the Portuguese Navy and Judicial Police. The vessel was stopped approximately 640 nautical miles west of Lisbon off the coast of Vila do Porto. Detailed searches revealed around five tonnes of cocaine hidden in secret compartments used as tanks and void spaces, along with equipment believed to have been used for drug transfers at sea.
Two illegal stowaways were also detained during the operation. Additionally, one crew member was arrested on suspicion of collaborating with drug traffickers. This incident is considered one of the most notable high-seas drug operations in Europe in recent years and has led to further investigations involving international partners such as the UK National Crime Agency (NCA) and Spain’s Policia Nacional.
Operational Context
The Maersk Nokwanda had previously called at banana trade ports including Posorja and Machala in Ecuador, as well as Buenaventura Port in Colombia. The banana export ports on the Pacific coast of these countries have long been regarded as high-risk areas due to international drug cartels using legitimate supply chains for trafficking purposes.
The seizure occurred during a routine voyage that would ordinarily take the vessel through Mediterranean ports before crossing into Europe. This operation underscores the vulnerability of container shipping and the need for enhanced vigilance and cooperation among maritime law enforcement agencies to combat drug smuggling via the global shipping network.