In a landmark operation, South Korea’s Korea Customs Service intercepted a staggering 720 kilograms of cocaine, valued at approximately KRW 360 billion (US$255 million), at Busan North Port on May 10. This seizure marks the largest cocaine haul in the port’s history, underscoring the growing challenge of international drug trafficking through global shipping routes.
The illicit cargo was discovered aboard the Malta-flagged Vantage, an 8,800 TEU container ship built in 2013 and operated by German shipping giant Hapag-Lloyd under a charter agreement with Greek shipowner Costamare. The vessel, part of Hapag-Lloyd’s Asia-Mexico Express service, had docked in Busan after calling at Yokohama, Japan, and before departing for Qingdao, China, on May 12.
Korea Customs revealed that the operation was conducted in close collaboration with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), highlighting the critical role of international cooperation in combating drug smuggling.
Inspectors boarded the Vantage shortly after its arrival, acting on intelligence that led to the discovery of the cocaine concealed within a container.
A Hapag-Lloyd spokesperson acknowledged the incident, stating, “Organized crime groups frequently target logistics and shipping companies. We are fully committed to working with authorities worldwide to prevent such activities and ensure the integrity of our operations.”
Authorities are still investigating whether the cocaine was destined for South Korea or merely transiting through Busan as part of a broader distribution network.
Customs officials, alongside South Korean prosecutors, are tracing the drugs’ origin and intended route, with vessel-tracking data providing critical clues about the ship’s recent movements.
This seizure comes amid heightened global scrutiny of maritime supply chains as conduits for illegal narcotics. Busan, one of Asia’s busiest ports, has seen increased vigilance as traffickers exploit the high volume of container traffic to mask their activities. The record-breaking bust serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing battle against drug trafficking and the importance of robust port security measures.
As the investigation unfolds, authorities are expected to release further details about the smuggling operation and any potential arrests.
The incident is likely to prompt renewed discussions about enhancing screening technologies and international partnerships to safeguard global trade routes from criminal exploitation.
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