Working Conditions Aboard the Grande-Amburgo

In a significant drug bust, authorities from the Argentine Naval Prefecture and the Customs Revenue and Control Agency (ARCA) successfully confiscated 16 kilograms of cocaine from the cargo vessel 'Grande Amburgo' on May 4, 2026, at the port of Zárate, situated along the Paraná-Paraguay Waterway in the southern province of Entre Ríos. The operation took place during a scheduled inspection of the port area involving expert personnel from the national maritime regulatory body. The ship's captain indicated that a crew member had discovered a bag filled with suspicious 'bricks' in a section designated for loading motorhomes shortly after the vessel departed from Montevideo on May 3. The discovery was meticulously documented,including photographic and video recordings. Upon investigation, authorities confirmed the contents as 14 bundles of cocaine hydrochloride, collectively weighing 16 kilograms and carrying an estimated street value exceeding 340 million pesos. Each package was marked with the inscription 'Formula 1-F1.' Moreover, during the vessel's comprehensive search, officers uncovered five additional empty burlap sacks of a similar nature in a separate cargo area. The Federal Court of Campana, Criminal Division No. 3, has been informed of the case and has ordered the confiscation of the narcotics, the initiation of forensic analyses, and the collection of witness testimonies. Notably, no immediate actions were taken against the crew, who number 32 individuals from various national backgrounds. Additionally, Port State Control authorities implemented a preventive detention order for the vessel, which was later released on May 11. For a detailed report including photos, visit https://www.argentina.gob.ar/noticias/prefectura-y-arca-incautaron-16-kilos-de-cocaina-en-un-barco-en-zarate.

In a significant drug operation, authorities in Hamburg intercepted three tons of cocaine, valued at approximately 150 million euros, shortly after the container ship 'Grande Amburgo' docked at O'swald Quay from Santos. The discovery was prompted by intelligence regarding a crew member linked to a drug trafficking organization. During the inspection, over 400 kilograms of the illicit substance were uncovered hidden inside a fire truck on board. Authorities swiftly apprehended the sailor upon arrival at the port. Remarkably, additional illicit contraband was revealed by other crew members, who reported finding more than 500 kilograms of cocaine, which they secured in the ship's workshop for safe handling by law enforcement. To assist in the extraction process, investigators required a forklift, which was closely monitored by heavily armed police units stationed at the dock. In the end, a grand total of three tons of cocaine were confiscated by police and customs officials, marking a notable victory in the fight against drug trafficking.

On November 5, 2023, authorities seized an astonishing 1.5 tons of cocaine aboard the 'Grande Amburgo' at the port of Vitória. This significant operation was carried out by Federal Police and Revenue agents, resulting from extensive international cooperation. The ship has been detained as part of an ongoing investigation led by the Federal Police (PF). Over 50 federal employees, including agents from the Federal Highway Police (PRF), were involved in the critical operation, which was prompted by intelligence suggesting that the vessel was preparing to head to Europe laden with illicit drugs. The operation utilized advanced resources, including 14 sniffer dogs, two vessels from the PF and PRF, and underwater drones to scrutinize the hull of the ship. Support was also provided by the Navy, showcasing the scale and seriousness of this enforcement action. Authorities discovered 52 bales of cocaine concealed in two separate locations on board. Initial findings indicated that genetic material and fingerprints were present on the bales, suggesting a planned operation to discard the cargo overboard as the ship neared its European destination. Investigators suspect that a crew member assisted in smuggling the narcotics aboard. As part of the investigative process, fingerprints and detailed statements from all 28 crew members were collected. Although no arrests have been made at this stage, the crew is required to remain in Brazil while the investigation continues. The objective is to uncover the full extent of the criminal network behind this extensive drug trafficking operation.

On May 26, 2019, at 4:10 p.m., the container vessel Grande Amburgo became grounded in the Wester Scheldt near Walsoorden while traveling from Dakar to Antwerp. Thankfully, the ship was able to refloat an hour later with the help of the incoming tide, successfully anchoring off Hansweert at the coordinates 51° 26.59' N 003° 59.53' E. The operation was supported by several tugs, including Multratug 28 (IMO: 9727962), Multratug 31 (IMO: 9695614), and Union Eagle (IMO: 9406441), along with a patrol boat from Rijkswaterstaat, RWS 79. Following this incident, Grande Amburgo resumed its journey, berthing at Antwerp Euroterminal NV at 2:50 a.m. on May 27, before setting sail on May 29 at 5:30 p.m. It subsequently arrived at Hamburg, docking at Oswald Quay at 6:10 p.m. on May 30. For further details and photographs, you can visit the following links: [Tugspotters](https://www.tugspotters.com/app/content/2019/05/grande-amburgo-in-de-problemen-op-de-westerschelde/) and [Omroep Zeeland](https://www.omroepzeeland.nl/nieuws/113146/Containerschip-bij-Walsoorden-weer-vlot).