Cruise Ship Drug Smuggling Attempt Thwarted in Angra dos Reis, Brazil

Introduction
On March 20, 2025, the Brazilian Federal Police successfully thwarted an international drug smuggling attempt aboard a cruise ship docked in Angra dos Reis, Brazil. Two foreign nationals—a 33-year-old Serbian and a 31-year-old Montenegrin—were detained after authorities discovered 47 kilograms of cocaine concealed within one of the ship’s lifeboats. The suspects allegedly planned to transport the narcotics to Serbia, using maintenance uniforms to disguise their access to restricted areas. This incident raises concerns about security protocols aboard cruise ships and highlights the lengths smugglers will go to evade detection.

Details of the Incident
The operation began after cruise ship personnel reported suspicious behavior by the suspects. Upon investigation, authorities uncovered 43 bricks of cocaine hidden in compartments of the vessel’s lifeboat. According to the Brazilian Federal Police:

• The suspects intended to retrieve the concealed drugs during nighttime hours.
• They wore maintenance uniforms to blend in with crew members and gain unauthorized access to restricted areas.
• The cocaine was concealed in a location subject to routine inspections, increasing the risk of discovery during standard procedures.

Photographs released by authorities show the confiscated cocaine bricks displayed on a folding table near the ship’s gangway security checkpoint, adjacent to an X-ray scanner and metal detectors. One container bore a label stating “Made in Italy,” potentially linking the contraband to broader international trafficking operations.

Both individuals have been charged with:

• International drug trafficking
• Association for drug trafficking

The suspects reportedly admitted that Serbia was their intended destination. Given Serbia’s landlocked geography, their plan would have required transiting through multiple Mediterranean ports, significantly increasing the likelihood of detection.

Response and Impact
The Brazilian Federal Police praised the vigilance of cruise ship personnel, whose report of suspicious behavior enabled the timely intervention. Authorities emphasized the importance of collaboration between cruise operators and law enforcement agencies in combating drug trafficking.

This incident also raises questions about onboard security protocols, particularly regarding access to restricted areas such as lifeboats. Lifeboats undergo routine checks and are occasionally used as tenders for ferrying guests ashore, making them a risky choice for smuggling attempts. The use of maintenance uniforms by the suspects suggests potential lapses in identity verification and access control measures.

Industry experts stress the need for enhanced screening technologies, stricter access controls, and continuous monitoring of restricted areas to prevent similar incidents. Cruise lines are urged to conduct regular audits of security protocols and provide additional training to crew members to identify suspicious activities.

Key Takeaways:

• Brazilian Federal Police detained two foreign nationals (Serbian and Montenegrin) for attempting to smuggle 47 kilograms of cocaine aboard a cruise ship in Angra dos Reis.
• The cocaine was concealed in a lifeboat, a location subject to routine inspections, highlighting the risks of such smuggling attempts.
• Suspects used maintenance uniforms to gain unauthorized access to restricted areas, raising concerns about onboard security protocols.
• Authorities seized the drugs and charged the suspects with international drug trafficking and association for drug trafficking.
• This incident underscores the importance of collaboration between cruise operators and law enforcement to combat drug trafficking.