The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) confirmed Wednesday that several Filipino seafarers involved in the large drug seizure on the Norwegian-flagged cargo vessel M/V Lunita in April have been repatriated.

This comes as the DMW previously reported that approximately two tons of cocaine were discovered in the vessel’s engine room after it arrived in South Korea with 20 Filipino crew members.

DMW Undersecretary for Foreign Employment and Welfare Felicitas Bay disclosed Wednesday that South Korean authorities have cleared 16 of the 20 seafarers, and they were repatriated on Sunday and Monday.

Bay cited that the repatriated seafarers are undergoing debriefing sessions with their Licensed Manning Agency (LMA).

The remaining four seafarers are still in South Korea for further investigation.

“We will not discuss the details of the investigation because this is an ongoing investigation, and this is an issue which is a violation of the Narcotics Control Act of Korea,” Bay said.

Meantime, DMW Secretary Hans Cacdac added that two of the four remaining seafarers have been arrested, while the other two are considered persons of interest. Legal assistance has been provided to all four.

The DMW stated it is coordinating the documentation of the seafarers and prioritized the LMA’s request for debriefing and is also working with its sea-based bureau to arrange financial aid for the repatriated crew members.

The M/V Lunita, owned by J.J. Ugland Companies, arrived at Okgye Port in Gangneung on April 2 after operations in Ecuador, Panama, and China. The South Korea Customs Service and Coast Guard conducted the raid based on a tip from the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation and Homeland Security Investigations.