Discover the Kota-Pusaka: Ratings & Maritime News

In a significant drug bust, authorities in Hong Kong discovered cocaine hidden aboard the MV Kota Pusaka, with a staggering estimated street value of $50 million. The operation unfolded shortly after the vessel docked at Kwai Chung Container Terminal on November 7, 2023. Law enforcement officials, including Hong Kong police and customs officers, acted on intelligence suggesting illicit activities involving two non-crew members who were reported to have boarded the ship via a speedboat while it was moored in Guatemala. Upon analysis, law enforcement noticed suspicious behavior exhibited by these individuals, leading them to suspect that they were involved in smuggling operations rather than merely being stowaways. It is believed they had concealed the narcotics within the ship to facilitate their delivery in Hong Kong. Once the Kota Pusaka arrived, a thorough search was conducted. Authorities sifted through numerous containers, targeting three particular 40-foot containers among more than 8,000 that were on board. These containers were declared to be carrying Guatemalan marshmallows; however, discrepancies were noted. The seals had been tampered with, and when X-rayed, the containers displayed irregular densities compared to others on the vessel, heightening suspicions among the officers. Upon opening the containers, officials discovered nine bags tied with hemp rope, which were ostensibly filled with essential life-saving equipment like life jackets and buoys. However, a shocking revelation awaited them: the bags were hiding 318 packets of white powder confirmed to be cocaine, with a total weight of one kilogram. Following this discovery, the two men were promptly arrested and faced drug trafficking charges as of November 9. The Kota Pusaka had previously called at Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala on September 25 before this incident. Fortunately, the crew of the Kota Pusaka was cleared of any wrongdoing and the ship departed Hong Kong on November 9.