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Introduction
Australian authorities have charged a 48-year-old Brazilian national, Adriano Gustavo Leonardi Thiem, with smuggling a commercial quantity of cocaine aboard MSC Cruises’ MSC Magnifica . The incident occurred on March 15, 2025, while the vessel was docked at Athol Bay in Sydney Harbour during a world cruise. Law enforcement officials discovered approximately US$3 million worth of cocaine concealed within the ship, highlighting the ongoing challenges of combating drug trafficking on international cruise vessels.
Details of the Incident
The discovery came after an onboard inspection by Australian Border Force (ABF) officers yielded a positive result for cocaine. Subsequent searches uncovered 28 individually wrapped packages of the drug hidden in the ceiling cavity of Thiem’s cabin. According to investigators from the Australian Federal Police (AFP), the seized cocaine amounted to a commercial quantity capable of producing approximately 10,000 individual street deals of one gram each.
In addition to the concealed narcotics, ABF officers located body packing materials within the ceiling cavity and wardrobe of the suspect’s cabin. These materials are commonly used to evade detection during border crossings. Authorities also found evidence on Thiem’s phone allegedly linked to drug trafficking activities, further implicating him in organized criminal operations.
The MSC Magnifica was moored in Sydney Harbour at the time of the arrest, having previously called at ports in Brazil and Argentina in late January before arriving in Australia. The vessel is currently on a world cruise, making it a potential target for smugglers seeking to exploit its international route.
Response and Impact
The Australian Federal Police and Australian Border Force issued a joint statement confirming that Thiem has been charged with two offenses:
Importing a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug.
Possessing a commercial quantity of an unlawfully imported border-controlled drug.
Both charges carry a maximum penalty of life imprisonment under Australian law.
MSC Cruises confirmed its cooperation with Australian authorities, providing necessary assistance following the arrest. The company emphasized its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of its passengers and crew, as well as compliance with international laws and regulations.
This incident underscores the vulnerabilities of cruise ships to exploitation by drug traffickers, particularly on long voyages with multiple international stops. Industry experts stress the need for enhanced security measures, including advanced screening technologies and increased collaboration between cruise operators and law enforcement agencies.
Key Takeaways:
- A Brazilian national, Adriano Gustavo Leonardi Thiem, was charged with smuggling ~US$3 million worth of cocaine aboard *MSC Magnifica* while docked in Sydney Harbour.
- Australian authorities discovered 28 individually wrapped packages of cocaine hidden in the ceiling cavity of the suspect’s cabin, equivalent to ~10,000 street deals.
- Body packing materials and evidence on the suspect’s phone were also found, linking him to drug trafficking activities.
- The suspect faces two charges, each carrying a maximum penalty of life imprisonment under Australian law.
- MSC Cruises is cooperating with authorities, highlighting the importance of collaboration between cruise lines and law enforcement to combat drug smuggling.