Brazilian Authorities Seize Cocaine From Bulk Carrier at Santos Port

Brazilian authorities have confiscated around 340 kilograms of cocaine from the Liberia-flagged bulk carrier Green K-Max 1 while the vessel was docked at the Port of Santos on May 10.

The seizure was carried out during a joint anti-smuggling operation involving the Federal Police, the Brazilian Navy, the Federal Revenue Service, and the Santos Port Authority.

According to the Brazilian Federal Police, the operation followed intelligence gathering and ongoing risk monitoring activities at the port.

Crew members onboard the* Green K-Max 1* reportedly noticed a suspicious small boat operating close to the vessel while it was anchored and preparing to sail for Poland. After the crew alerted authorities, divers from the Brazilian Navy and police teams carried out an underwater inspection of the ship.

During the search, officials discovered multiple packages of cocaine concealed inside a submerged compartment within the vessel’s hull.

Authorities described the operation as technically challenging due to the underwater location of the hidden drugs, which required divers to retrieve them. Officials added that concealed hull compartments are commonly used by smugglers transporting narcotics aboard commercial vessels.

The Port of Santos is considered one of South America’s main export routes for cocaine shipments heading to Europe.

Following the seizure, the drugs were transferred to the Federal Police headquarters in Santos for forensic analysis.

An investigation is now underway to identify those involved in the trafficking operation. Authorities have also increased monitoring and surveillance activities at the Port of Santos as part of wider efforts to combat drug smuggling.