Update 13 Jan 2025:
On 30 Dec 2024, a media article highlighted “Drug smugglers are increasingly targeting bulkers at northern Brazil ports to carry illicit cargoes, using hiding places on the deck”, marking a shift in tactics and focus from traditional hotspot ports in the south-east of the country.
The Global Report on Cocaine 2023 issued by the United Nations in March 2023 (link) shows the changing trends (rates of change) in cocaine seizures in Brazil following the onset of COVID (page 18).
INTERCARGO co-sponsored a paper FAL 49/12 for the 49th session of the IMO Facilitation Committee to be held on 10-14 Mar 2025, with a proposal to revise the Revised guidelines for the prevention and suppression of the smuggling of drugs, psychotropic substances and precursor chemicals on ships engaged in international maritime traffic (resolutions FAL.9(34) and MSC.228(82), link for download).
