Brazilian Authorities Seize 340 Kilos of Cocaine From Bulk Carrier at Santos Port

Brazilian authorities intercepted around 340 kilograms of cocaine hidden on board a bulk carrier at the Port of Santos, one of South America’s busiest ports. The illegal cargo was discovered during a joint anti-drug operation involving the Brazilian Federal Police, Brazilian Navy, Federal Revenue Service, and Santos Port Authority.

According to reports, the drugs were concealed inside the vessel’s “sea chest,” a compartment located below the waterline of the ship that is commonly used for seawater intake for engine cooling systems. Authorities said the hidden location made the operation difficult and dangerous, requiring trained divers to inspect and recover the packages underwater.

The vessel involved was identified in several reports as the Liberia-flagged bulk carrier Green K-Max 1, which was reportedly preparing to sail from Brazil to Europe, particularly Poland, when the operation took place. Crew members allegedly noticed suspicious activity involving a small boat near the vessel before authorities carried out the inspection.

Authorities recovered several large packages containing cocaine attached within the submerged area of the hull. The seized drugs were immediately transferred to the Federal Police headquarters in Santos for laboratory examination and further investigation.