Brazil’s Federal Police seized approximately 341 kilograms of cocaine during an operation aboard the Green K-Max 1 at the Port of Santos, according to international media reports.
The operation took place Sunday morning after crew members reportedly noticed a small boat near the vessel and alerted authorities. Police later discovered 12 large packages of cocaine hidden inside the ship’s sea chest — a seawater intake compartment located below the waterline.
Authorities described the operation as complex, with divers from the Brazilian Navy carrying out an underwater search of the vessel before locating the concealed packages. Brazil’s Federal Revenue Service and the Port Authority of Santos also participated in the operation. Police said the concealment method is commonly used by smuggling networks, despite the difficulty of accessing the area beneath the waterline.
Federal Police seize 340 kg of cocaine hidden in a ship’s hull at Port of Santos (SP). The drugs were discovered aboard a vessel destined for Europe. pic.twitter.com/gB8mB0yDDv
— CrazyClips (@CrazyCrazyclips) May 12, 2026
The Green K-Max 1 had arrived at the Brazilian port from India and was reportedly loading cargo before preparing to depart for Poland.
The vessel, which was built in 2019 and has a carrying capacity of 80,856 deadweight tons, sails under the Liberian flag and is managed by a Greek company.
Authorities said the Port of Santos is frequently used as a route for international drug trafficking, prompting increased inspections and monitoring efforts. International media reports also said officials from Spain, Italy, Portugal, the United Kingdom and the United States are stepping up efforts to combat what they describe as the “Atlantic cocaine route.”
Source: TA NEA
