Brazil Arrests Two Men for Cruise Ship Cocaine Smuggling
Brazilian Federal Police apprehended two foreign nationals in Angra dos Reis after they allegedly attempted to smuggle 47 kilograms of cocaine aboard a cruise ship. The suspects—identified as a 33-year-old Serbian and a 31-year-old Montenegrin—are accused of concealing 43 bricks of cocaine inside one of the vessel’s lifeboats with the goal of transporting the drugs to Serbia.
Authorities were alerted when cruise ship staff grew suspicious of the duo’s behavior. In a statement, the Federal Police confirmed the arrest and seizure of the narcotics:
"On March 20, the Federal Police arrested two foreigners for international drug trafficking, on a cruise ship that was in the city of Angra dos Reis.
The men, a 33-year-old Serbian and a 31-year-old Montenegro national, intended to transport 47 kilos of cocaine from Brazil to Serbia. After employees of the cruise operator became suspicious of the men's behavior, the Federal Police were called and found the drugs in compartments of the ship's support boat. The two foreigners were arrested and the drugs were seized.
The pair intended to collect the drugs hidden on the lifeboat boat during the night, wearing the ship's company maintenance uniforms so as not to attract attention and raise suspicions.
They will be charged with the crimes of international drug trafficking and association for drug trafficking,” PF statement reads."
The official report did not clarify whether the two men were part of the ship’s crew or traveling as passengers. However, their possession of ship maintenance uniforms raises questions about their access and role on board. Such uniforms are typically restricted to crew members, and passengers would not be permitted access to lifeboats, which are off-limits and routinely inspected for safety purposes.
Photos released by authorities show the seized cocaine bricks laid out on a folding table near the ship’s gangway security checkpoint, alongside an X-ray scanner and metal detectors. One of the containers bears a label reading “Made in Italy,” potentially pointing to part of the smugglers' broader trafficking route.
The suspects reportedly admitted that Serbia was their intended destination. Given that Serbia is landlocked, their plan would have required transiting through multiple Mediterranean ports to reach its borders—greatly increasing their chances of detection.
Their choice to use a lifeboat as a hiding place was particularly risky. Lifeboats are subject to regular checks, emergency drills, and sometimes even serve as tenders for ferrying guests to shore. Any concealed items would likely have been discovered during routine inspections.
The case highlights both the evolving tactics of international drug traffickers and the challenges cruise operators and authorities face in maintaining onboard security. An investigation is ongoing.