Multi-agency operation leads to 251 kg cocaine bust in Port of Santos

A two-day operation conducted at the Port of Santos resulted in the seizure of 251 kg of cocaine on Sunday (28). The illicit drug was discovered hidden in an underwater compartment on a ship. The Federal Police will initiate an inquiry to continue the investigation, although no information regarding arrests has been provided.

The operation involved a collaborative effort between teams from the Revenue Service, Federal Police, Brazilian Navy, Military Police, and Environmental Police. On Saturday night (27) and Sunday morning, a helicopter from the National Air Operations Center (Ceoar) flew over the target area, capturing footage with its specialized camera capable of recording in the dark. The recorded footage, combined with information gathered throughout the investigation, provided strong indications that traffickers had concealed the drugs on the ship, prompting the teams to take action.

Using a speedboat, the agents approached the vessel and, with the assistance of divers, discovered 251 kg of cocaine concealed in black bags inside a compartment known as a ‘sea chest.’ This compartment is typically used to collect seawater for the vessel’s refrigeration systems.

The confiscated drugs were safely taken aboard the boat. The report reached out to the authorities involved in the operation to inquire about the ongoing investigation, as well as the origin and destination of the seized cocaine. However, no response was received at the time of the article’s latest update.

Source: G1 

To read the original news story, access: https://g1.globo.com/sp/santos-regiao/porto-mar/noticia/2023/05/28/operacao-no-porto-de-santos-tem-apoio-de-helicoptero-com-visao-noturna-e-apreende-251-kg-de-cocaina-video.ghtml