Drug smuggling issues in South America

Information by the Skuld P&I Club

The Skuld P&I Club has issued an advisory regarding drug smuggling issues in South America.

Drug smugglers are increasingly turning to the high seas. One of the most popular methods of smuggling cocaine in recent years has been to camouflage it in liquid form. Criminal groups are using vessels as part of their smuggling operation. This is not a new situation, but one which continues and remains a sig nificant risk scenario for Shipowners.

When vessels have been found with contraband on board, it has led to detentions, fines, criminal prosecution against Masters and crew, extending even to confiscat ion in extreme cases. Constant vigilance is required when trading to and from high risk areas in order to mitigate againsthese issues. Investigations on suspect cargo and liquid found therein.

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The entire smugler operations showed a high degree of technical expertise as well a thorough understanding of shipping and general type cargoes. In order to ship this cargo , the smuglers had set up a fake export organization. In previous attempts to ship drugs from Colombia , drugs have been mixed with other inocuous liquids such as pineaple syrup and cream . There have also been attempts when smuglers have attached drugs to the hul of the vessel.

Loss Prevention Advice

The Club’s Corespondents have advised that with respect to high risk areas, Cartagena is particularly noteworthy, because the area contains a large number of loading areas and port facilities. When preparing for a call at high risk areas, Club’s Corespondents have advised that the folowing steps will assist. Shipowners are advised that some of the folowing steps are recomended, in addition to measures already part of the regular ISPS compliance:

Crew need to be briefed in advance of port call that if they go ashore, the criminal element may seak to engage them in conversation, befriend them and /or just use them in order to elicit their help to further the criminal design.
Crew that are found to be co-operating with smuglers are likely to face significant criminal sanction from local law enforcement.
The vessel should receive a comprehensive port update from the local agent prior to arrival.
The vessel should seek to keep an accurate record of all activities and observed activities on and around the vessel from arrival. until departure, for instance it is useful to note down suspicious looking activity by unidentified persons close 10 the vessel.
In Colombia diving inspections are conducted with the assistance of local antinarcotics authorities and local Corresponders, this may be necessary prior to departure to ensure there are no attachments to the hull that may contain contraband.
During periods of darkness, the vessel should be well lit and any suspicious activity on or near the vessel should be immediately reported, such as unknown persons seeking to gain access or small boats coming close to the vessel. The use of searchlights may be appropriate to deter unauthorized persons from seeking to come close by.
Any contraband found should not be touched and the location should be immediately placed under guard and photographs and videos should be taken of the location.

Further information may be found by reading the relevant advisory on Drug smuggling issues in South America issued at the Skuld P&I Club website.

Source and Image Credit: Skuld P&I Club