Gangneung, South Korea – South Korean authorities have made the largest drug seizure in the nation’s history, confiscating approximately two tonnes (2,000 kilograms) of suspected cocaine from the Norwegian-flagged bulk carrier M/V Lunita.
The seizure, estimated to be worth 1 trillion won (US$740 million), occurred at Okgye Port in Gangneung on April 2nd.
The 32,000-tonne vessel, owned by J.J. Ugland Companies of Norway, arrived after a voyage from Mexico with stops in Ecuador, Panama, and China. Intelligence shared by the U.S. FBI and HSI facilitated the operation.
A joint team of 90 narcotics officers from the Korea Customs Service and Korea Coast Guard, aided by two customs drug detection dog units, conducted a thorough search of the vessel.
The cocaine was discovered concealed in 57 boxes within a compartment behind the engine room. Field tests confirmed the substance as cocaine.
The M/V Lunita remains docked in Okgye Port, with its Filipino crew still aboard. The ship’s owner, J.J. Ugland Companies, has confirmed the seizure and stated their full cooperation with South Korean and other relevant authorities. They reiterated their zero-tolerance policy towards illegal activities and pledged to review and strengthen their internal security protocols. The seized cocaine has been sent to the National Institute of Scientific Investigation for further analysis.
The unprecedented scale of this bust underscores the growing threat of transnational drug smuggling in global maritime trade. The investigation is ongoing, with continued cooperation between South Korean and international law enforcement agencies.
