Drug Smuggling Alert for Commercial Shipping

Warning from P&I Club.

Drug Smuggling Alert for Commercial Shipping

The use of vessel to smuggle contraband is not new, but it is a risk which shipowners should continue to take very seriously, as there has been an upsurge in smuggling attempts in the Caribbean, says insurer Skuld in an alert to shipowners.

The Caribbean has a long romanticized image of seaborne crime, i.e. piracy, but the reality of the situation is very serious, says the insurer. Recently the United States introduced a new plan to deal with the issue, as it is estimated that drug smuggling activities may have more than doubled in the last three years. Part of the reason for this increased seaborne activity by smugglers is the increased vigilance at the U.S. Mexico border, which means new routes are being sought in to the U.S. and alternative routes are being expanded.

Regional authorities are also stepping up their response to this situation.

In their Circular of February 2015, Cariconsults explain how the approach of the authorities has developed over time and gives guidance as to what may be expected in several key risk areas around the region including Suriname, Guyana, Trinidad, Barbados and Jamaica.

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Source: maritime-executive.com

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