Drug crimes linked to cruiseships soar 52%

UK based, Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA) told Lloyd’s List there had also been a sharp increase in drug smuggling on cruise ships, which prompted it to issue a specific alert to cruise lines.

SOCA said that despite its alert, cruise operators are down playing the problem and continue to rely on existing security measures to deal with the problem.

The upsurge appears to be linked to professional drug gangs increasingly targeting cruise vessels.

According to the law enforcement agencies, drug gangs  have turned to cruise ships because drug enforcement agencies have worked hard to stifle smuggling routes using yachts, fishing boats, cargo vessels and aircraft.

The gangs now see cruise ships as alternative vehicles for carrying drugs.

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