The Colombian navy seized more than 200 kilos of cocaine hidden in a ship’s sea chest at the port of Buenaventura. The vessel had been preparing to sail for Europe.
During an underwater inspection, navy divers discovered seven large black bags hidden in the ship’s sea chest. They brought the bags to the surface and found sealed bricks inside. Rapid field tests confirmed the cocaine.
The navy said the seizure prevented more than 521,000 doses from reaching international markets and blocked about USD 10 million in revenue for drug-trafficking groups. Photos shared by officials showed divers lifting the bags from the water and dozens of drug packages laid out on the quayside.
The ship was described as a merchant vessel, likely a container ship, though authorities did not release its name or flag. The crew had been preparing for departure when the inspection took place. No arrests have been announced, and the investigation continues.
Traffickers often use sea chests, hull cavities and rudder trunks to smuggle drugs. Officials warn that increased U.S. strikes on narco boats in the Pacific may push smugglers to hide more shipments on commercial vessels en route to Europe.
