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Gard Guidance Masters

2.9.5.1 GENERAL

Ships are a preferred target for drug smuggling as the smuggler will remain undetected should the drugs be discovered and the blame will fall on the vessel and her crew. Utmost vigilance is required in all ports, day and night, where drug smuggling is known to occur.

Drugs may be smuggled
  • inside the vessel’s structure and accommodation
  • inside the vessel’s holds and amongst the cargo
  • inside vessel openings in the hull, such as cooling water suction boxes
  • divers are known to weld receptacles to the vessel’s hull underwater and to conceal drugs in rudder trunks. Air bubbles in the water around the vessel may be an indication of any such activities.