20 Filipinos are under investigation following a major drug seizure on the Norwegian-flagged cargo vessel M/V Lunita, which was allegedly carrying two tonnes of cocaine.
According to Department of Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Cacdac, the substances were discovered in the engine room of the vessel. The ship’s captain was also reported to be a Filipino national.
In a statement released on 3 April, J.J. Ugland confirmed the drug seizure and said an investigation is underway.
“The authorities found a large amount of cocaine hidden on board. An investigation is ongoing, and it is still unclear how the drugs came aboard our vessel. We are working with relevant authorities to assist in the investigation, both in South Korea and in other affected jurisdictions,” said J.J. Ugland in a statement.
Cacdac said the Filipino seafarers are being assisted by a lawyer provided by the company, with the Philippine government set to assign them another lawyer in the next two days. The DMW is also preparing to reach out to the crew members’ families.
Over 50 boxes of alleged cocaine were found in the engine room of the vessel. According to authorities, this is considered the biggest drug haul in South Korea.
The tip reportedly came from the US Federal Bureau of Investigation and Homeland Security Investigations. Before arriving in South Korea, M/V Lunita had operations in Mexico, Ecuador, Panama, and China.