Argentine authorities have reportedly made a significant breakthrough in combating organized crime with what is believed to be the largest drug seizure in Port San Lorenzo’s history. Investigations are ongoing to verify details provided by the ship’s cook, who has confessed to his involvement in the smuggling operation.
The incident traces back to late April when the Greece-managed bulker Ceci, arriving from the UAE and Iran, docked at San Lorenzo on April 25 to load 46,000 tons of sunflower seeds for Amsterdam. On April 29, the captain discovered suspicious packages in the food storage area and alerted the shipping company, prompting a search by the Coast Guard.
Authorities uncovered 16 watertight bundles containing 379 packages of high-purity cocaine, totaling 469,500 kilos, valued at nearly $6 million in Argentina and potentially $20 million in Europe. Alongside the drugs, police found equipment suggesting professional gang involvement, indicating complicity from crew members. The ship’s cook, Jonathan Caputero, has been arrested, marking the first apprehension of an international crew member in this operation.
Investigators are examining video footage from the port and the cook’s claims about how the drugs were loaded. They are considering various methods of transfer, including the possibility of a boat delivering the drugs while the ship was docked. As major drug kingpins remain incarcerated, authorities are working to identify the masterminds behind this shipment.
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