Brazil Federal Police Seizes Record Cocaine Shipment at Port of Itaqui

Brazil’s Federal Police recently made the largest cocaine seizure in Maranhao state’s history, uncovering the drugs on a bulker anchored offshore. The crew of the vessel discovered suspicious packages and alerted local authorities, leading to an investigation into how the cocaine was smuggled aboard. The bulker, named Jawor and operated by Polsteam, arrived in ballast condition at the Port of Itaqui on October 2, scheduled to dock on October 7 for a soybean cargo destined for Spain.

Upon discovering the cocaine in the forward storage area while at anchor, the crew reported the find to the port agent, prompting a swift response from the Federal Police. Teams were deployed to the vessel overnight, with bundles of cocaine weighing 500 kg seized and transferred for investigation. The police plan to question the entire crew, comprised of individuals from Poland, Ukraine, Bulgaria, and Romania, as they suspect possible crew involvement in the smuggling operation.

This incident reflects a growing trend of drug cartels attempting to conceal illegal drugs on vessels bound for Europe, with couriers paid to retrieve the contraband upon arrival. Past cases, such as the Phoenician M bulker in Turkey, have highlighted security vulnerabilities that can be exploited for drug smuggling. In response, the European Union has launched initiatives to disrupt smuggling operations and reduce the flow of illegal drugs through major seaports.

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