JEFFERSON

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Tug seized with 2,2 tons cocaine

The "Jefferson" has been seized off the coast of Aruba with two tons of cocaine onboard on Oct 13, 2019. After a search of the vessel by Aruban authorities found 2.2 tons of cocaine, the five-person crew — all Venezuelans – was arrested and the tug arrested. The vessel, which had departed from Cartagena, has been swept by members of the Colombian navy with drug-sniffing dogs. The cocaine was probably smuggled onboard in open waters and the tug, at some point, disappeared from radar. It was highly unlikely that Aruba’s small local market was the final destination for the 2.2 tons of cocaine. The drugs were probably meant for Europe or for the United States, for which Aruba has served as a transit point before. Authorities did not speculate as to why the cocaine-laden tug started its journey in Colombia rather than Venezuela. Also mysterious is the tugboat itself. Named "Gracia" and registered to a Venezuelan company, its International Maritime Organization number — clearly visible in photos of the vessel — belongs to the "Jefferson", registered in the United States. The episode does show that the criminal group behind the shipment had a high level of organization by taking measures to reduce visibility, and by using the identification number of another vessel.