Working Conditions Aboard the Tai-Harvest

In a significant enforcement action, the Venezuelan government has seized another vessel, the bulk carrier Maria L (IMO 9261786), after inspectors discovered a substantial drug stash. According to reports by the British publication Fairplay, approximately 400 kilograms of cocaine were found affixed to the vessel’s rudder access trunk. The Maria L, which displaces 50,337 deadweight tons, is operated by the Greek shipping firm Vrontados. This incident took place in Puerto La Cruz, where authorities arrested all 20 crew members on board, who hail from Greece, Chile, Indonesia, and Ukraine. Attorney Aurelio Fernandez-Concheso of Clyde & Co., representing the owners, confirmed the details to Fairplay, marking another chapter in Venezuela’s ongoing crackdown on drug smuggling activities at sea.