Reviews & Ratings for the Ceci

Another Filipino crew member has been apprehended under allegations of drug trafficking linked to the cargo vessel 'Ceci', which docked at San Lorenzo on May 1. This arrest marks a significant development in an ongoing investigation that already saw chef Jonathan Caputero being detained as the primary suspect. The operation, orchestrated by the San Lorenzo Regional Federal Prosecutor's Unit in conjunction with the Argentine Naval Prefecture (PNA), led to the discovery of nearly 400 kilograms of narcotics concealed in bags inside a refrigerator meant for the crew's provisions. The 'Ceci' arrived from Dubai and had previously anchored at the Recalada Pontoon in the international waters of the Río de la Plata, having declared a cargo of sunflower pellets. Authorities continue to unravel the details surrounding this case as investigations proceed.

On May 14, the bulk carrier 'Ceci' and its crew were released after an extensive investigation by authorities, while the ship's cook remains in custody. Federal Guarantee Judge Carlos Vera Barros presided over the case, determining that Jonathan Caputero, the cook, will face preventive detention for a period of 90 days. Caputero has admitted his role in smuggling 379 loaves of cocaine onto the vessel, stored within the cold storage and other areas of the ship. The investigation also involved the examination of cell phones seized on board; however, the exact origin of the cocaine shipment remains unclear. As the case develops, all eyes will be on further updates surrounding this significant maritime drug trafficking incident.

On April 30, 2025, authorities in San Lorenzo intercepted a staggering 469 kilos of cocaine on board the vessel 'Ceci'. This incident led to the arrest of the ship's cook on May 2, as ordered by Federal Guarantee Judge Carlos Vera Barros. In a precautionary measure, the judge mandated that all 20 crew members, hailing from the Philippines, be confined to the ship while an extensive investigation unfolds. They subsequently appeared for an arraignment at the Federal Courts in Rosario. The primary suspect, the cook, is currently in custody following charges presented by federal prosecutors Claudio Kishimoto and Francisco Bernhardt, alongside the Procunar (National Prosecutor's Office). These officials initiated additional investigative actions based on a theory proposed by Minister of National Security, Patricia Bullrich, suggesting that the cocaine may have been smuggled aboard via a food supply ship. To support this inquiry, authorities are seeking access to local video surveillance records and inspecting nearby warehouses for any relevant evidence. Notably, there was no indication linking the Vicentin port to the drugs in question. The captain of the 'Ceci' played a crucial role in this operation, having reported suspicious packages found in the cold storage area, valued at an estimated $6 million. The vessel had undergone a routine inspection on the morning of the incident, after which the food supplier boarded, leading to the discovery of the narcotics. As for the drugs’ intended destination, they originated from Amsterdam, having made a prior stop in Montevideo. Investigators suspect that, during the journey, the packages may have been intended for disposal in the ocean, potentially to be retrieved later. One of the 16 discovered packages was equipped with a GPS device and nets, indicating a plan to lower them into the sea. Authorities are actively exploring whether the contraband was loaded while still in Argentina or picked up from the Atlantic Ocean. Evidence of salt water inside the waterproof bags further complicates the investigation. As of May 15, the 'Ceci' remains docked in San Lorenzo, with investigators delving deeper into this high-profile case.

In a recent maritime incident, the 'Fortune Miracle' experienced an allision with the bulk carrier 'Interlink Fortuity' on November 23, 2019, at approximately 3 a.m. The incident occurred off the coast of San Lorenzo on the Paraná River, specifically at kilometer 442. At the time, the 'Fortune Miracle' was actively navigating with a cargo of 45,100 tons of soybeans on board, en route to Santos with an estimated arrival time set for November 29. The vessel collided with the anchored 'Interlink Fortuity', which was moored and waiting for clearance to load cargo at the Bunge dock in Puerto San Martin; the impact occurred on the starboard side of the 'Fortune Miracle' against the port side of the 'Interlink Fortuity'. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported and no spills or environmental damage in the area. Subsequently, the 'Interlink Fortuity' departed its mooring position at coordinates 32° 46.27' S 060° 42.94' W on November 27 and successfully docked at Terminal 6SA in San Lorenzo at 11:40 p.m. For more details, including visuals of the incident, Spanish reports can be found at: https://sl24.com.ar/dos-barcos-de-ultramar-chocaron-frente-al-muelle-de-vicentin/