Italian authorities have found 850 kilos of cocaine hidden in the Liberia-flagged bulk carrier Atlas owned by Greek Laskaridis Shipping.
The amount of cocaine was found in 570 packages and the total worth of the seized cocaine is approximately US$165 million.
The captain and the crew members of the ship have denied any involvement in the incident and until the time of writing none of the seafarers on board have been arrested.
The 2011-built bulk carrier departed the port of Santos in Brazil on 23 March and arrived at the port of Venice in Italy on 17 April, where the National Coast Guard, Customs and Police found the hidden cocaine packages.
According to the Italian Authorities, the investigations are continuing as it is possible that more cocaine could be found.
Copyright Ships & Ports Ltd. Permission to use quotations from this article is granted subject to appropriate credit given to www.shipsandports.com.ng as the source.
