Drugs and contraband: Preventing the vessel from being exploited
Drug trafficking presents a particular maritime security challenge because a vessel does not need to be attacked or hijacked to become part of a criminal operation.
Ships, cargoes and legitimate supply chains may be exploited without the knowledge of the company, Master or crew, while in other cases criminals may seek assistance from individuals who already have authorized access onboard. Drugs and other contraband may be concealed inside containers or cargo, placed in stores or ship spaces, or attached externally to the hull or underwater fittings. Criminals may also gain unauthorized access while the vessel is in port, placing packages onboard for recovery at another location.
The consequences can be serious. Discovery of illicit substances may result in vessel detention, investigation, operational disruption and potential legal consequences for seafarers, including those with no involvement in the trafficking operation.
The threat may come from within
One of the factors that makes drug trafficking particularly difficult to prevent is that not every case involves an unknown intruder. Crew members, contractors, stevedores or other individuals with legitimate access to the vessel may be approached, bribed, threatened or, in some cases, knowingly involved.
The security threat may therefore come from someone who is authorized to be onboard. For companies, Masters and Ship Security Officers, this makes awareness of local trafficking patterns and port-specific risks particularly important. Crew members should also understand that unusual approaches, requests, behaviour or attempts to gain access to restricted areas should be reported without hesitation.
Reducing opportunities for concealment
These risks should be addressed through the vessel’s Ship Security Plan and appropriate port-specific security measures.
Depending on the assessed risk, precautions may include:
- maintaining effective gangway and access control;
- restricting access to sensitive and unused spaces;
- monitoring visitors, contractors and other personnel onboard;
- checking container seals and reporting signs of tampering;
- maintaining appropriate deck and security patrols;
- remaining alert to unusual packages, bags or objects;
- monitoring suspicious small craft or unauthorized activity around the vessel;
- briefing crew members to report unusual approaches or requests; and
- conducting appropriate searches before departure from higher-risk ports.
Crew members should not accept packages, favours or unusual requests from unknown persons or become involved in activities outside normal shipboard operations.
Clear reporting arrangements are equally important. Personnel need to know who to inform if they notice suspicious behaviour, evidence of tampering or an unexplained object onboard.
If a suspicious package is discovered
Any suspicious package or substance found onboard should be treated seriously. It should not be unnecessarily touched, opened, moved or disposed of. Access to the area should be controlled and the Master and SSO informed immediately.
The Master should follow company procedures, notify the CSO and contact the appropriate authorities as required. Details of the discovery should be recorded and any potential evidence protected. Crew members should avoid unnecessary discussion or speculation about who may be responsible. External communications should be handled in accordance with company procedures and instructions from the relevant authorities.
The possibility that additional packages may have been placed elsewhere onboard should also be considered, with further searches conducted where appropriate and safe.
Protect the crew, vessel and evidence
The challenge with drugs and contraband is that the vessel may be exploited long before anyone onboard realizes that a crime has taken place.
Effective prevention therefore depends on understanding where the ship is vulnerable, recognising unusual activity or signs of tampering and ensuring that crew members can report concerns without hesitation.
If contraband is discovered, protecting the crew, controlling access to the area and preserving evidence should take priority.
The objective is not only to prevent illicit substances from being placed onboard, but also to ensure that the vessel and its crew do not become unwitting participants in a criminal operation.
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