Despite the Covid-induced disruptions to global supply chains, cocaine smuggling has thrived, with increased use of commercial shipping to move the contraband, according to The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime’s (UNODC) recently released World Drug Report 2020.
There has also been growth in shipment sizes, and the organised criminal gangs (OGCs) behind them have become more inventive.
Colombia, Peru, and Bolivia continue to be the world’s top three producers of cocaine. The 2021 International Narcotics Control Strategy Report revealed that Colombia was the largest producer and supplied the most cocaine to North America and Europe. The second largest is Peru, which exports cocaine to the US, Mexico, Europe, and East Asia. Bolivia is the third largest, and it’s also a transit country for cocaine from Peru, largely exporting to other countries in Latin America, West Africa, and Europe.
According to the report, the two largest markets in the world are North America and Europe.
The UNODC’s seizure data further indicates that most of the cocaine available in European drug markets is smuggled to Europe by sea, primarily in maritime container shipments entering at major container ports such as Antwerp, Rotterdam, Hamburg and Valencia.
“When narcotics are discovered onboard, the consequences can rapidly escalate and become severe for both the vessel owner and crew,” says Oslo-based marine insurer Skuld.
“There may be resulting delays due to ongoing investigations by the authorities, which may take time and lead to the loss of hire and consequential claims from cargo interests. The vessel may also be detained by the authorities, sometimes for an undefined period, with potential arrest and/or disembarkation of the crew for questioning and shore detention in prison if the crew is suspected of being complicit. A substantial fine may also be imposed and/or the vessel may be threatened with confiscation depending on the jurisdiction involved.”