Enhancing Maritime Security: Brazil’s Response to Rising Drug Trafficking in Santos Port
Amid rising drug trafficking in Santos port, Brazilian authorities unveil a 200% surge in cocaine seizures, triggering urgent security measures.
Brazilian customs reported the discovery of 2.2 tons of cocaine on the hulls of ships in the port of Santos, marking a 200% increase compared to 2022. Confronted with the surge in drug bundles found hidden in sea chest intakes or affixed to ship hulls within the port of Santos, the Brazilian Federal Police are taking steps to bolster their capabilities in combating the activities of divers employed by drug traffickers.
Given the impracticality of maintaining comprehensive and continuous surveillance by diving personnel along the entire 24.6 kilometers of the port channel, the port authority, in coordination with security forces, has opted to harness new technologies. They plan to deploy a surveillance system comprising various detection and tracking equipment such as sonars, cameras, and underwater drones.
Allocating a budget of around 25 million euros for 2024, this system will complement the existing 600 surveillance cameras and two aerial drones already operational. Market research and trials suggest that the chosen system may originate from China and have proven efficacy in other estuary ports.
