A substantial amount of cocaine was recently found far from its origins, tucked away in shipping containers that had crossed the Atlantic. Authorities at the port of Rotterdam, located in the Netherlands, announced this week the discovery of nearly 90 kilograms of the drug.
One of the intercepted shipments held 45 kilograms of cocaine. It had traveled all the way from Uruguay. Another container, which came from Argentina, carried an additional 43 kilograms. Uruguay’s National Customs Directorate (DNA) shared details about these significant drug busts.
The container from Uruguay had a long journey. It was scanned back on July 17 at the port of Montevideo. At that time, nothing unusual was found. The ship carrying this container then left Montevideo on July 20. It made stops in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Paranaguá, Brazil, before heading across the ocean.
After its extended voyage, the vessel finally arrived in the Netherlands on August 17. That is when the hidden drugs were discovered. The cocaine was cleverly stashed behind the motor compartments inside two large refrigerated containers. These containers were transporting meat.
The Public Prosecutor’s Office in the Netherlands explained that hiding cocaine in these specific inspection hatches has become a common tactic for smugglers. This method allows the drugs to be taken out very quickly by specialized teams once the container reaches its destination terminal.