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Belgian authorities detained a foreign-flagged vessel in Zeebrugge after discovering several hundred kilos of cocaine onboard.
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The ship had previously anchored off Ostend for three days after arriving from Brazil.
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Eight suspects were arrested while attempting to reach the vessel by small boat from Blankenberge.
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Prosecutors have yet to formally charge the individuals with drug smuggling.
Authorities in Belgium have detained a foreign-flagged commercial vessel following the discovery of a large quantity of cocaine on board. Belgian customs officials boarded the Turkish-owned product tanker Scot Bremen shortly after its arrival at the port of Zeebrugge on Monday, June 23, uncovering “hundreds of kilos” of the illegal substance.
Authorities Intercept Drug Smuggling Attempt off Belgian Coast
A commercial vessel arriving from Brazil remained anchored off the coast of Ostend for three days before proceeding to Zeebrugge, where it was detained by Belgian customs following the discovery of a large quantity of cocaine on board. Prior to the ship’s arrival at port, eight individuals were arrested on suspicion of attempting to retrieve the narcotics while the vessel was still offshore.
According to local reports, the suspects were apprehended as they prepared to depart a marina in Blankenberge, approximately 15 nautical miles from the anchorage location. The group is believed to have planned to reach the vessel by small boat and bring the drugs ashore. As of now, local prosecutors have not yet filed formal smuggling charges against the individuals.
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Source: Baird Maritime
