Venezuela, drugs, crew, security, underwater inspection Home Publications Articles VENEZUELA: Drugs and Security Concerns VENEZUELA: Drugs and Security Concerns Publications Steamship Mutual Published: October 16, 2018 Contact author Download article pdf Image Club correspondents Globalpandi of Venezuela have notified the Club of some recent trends in Venezuela. Members are recommended to draw this to the attention of ships trading in this area.  In past Circulars our office has drawn the attention of Members and Clubs about issues affecting the security of crews both on board and ashore, as well as the risks in connection with drug trafficking targeting ships while at Venezuelan waters and ports. Regrettably, two recent events give rise to serious concerns again. Thus, on 8th October 2018, 147.5 kilos of cocaine attached to underwater hull of chemical tanker JOSE PROGRESS, berthed at the port of Jose close to Puerto La Cruz, were found by the National Guard. The ship loaded with some 40,000 tons of methanol was bound for Belgium. It is important to point out that cocaine was found during the underwater inspection, and at the moment 20 crew members are under investigation and the ship detained. Another ship SHI ZI SHAN anchored at Jose area was said to be boarded at late night hour by 4 men who rapidly dominated the crew. Apparently a large amount of money and several electronic equipment were stolen. Unofficial information reveals that these men wore uniforms and introduced themselves as authorities that were going to make an inspection, for which reason the ship gave them the scale. This is certainly a new modus operandi Members and Clubs must be aware of. Although drugs have been always a source of concerns for ships when calling at Venezuelan ports, it is fair to say that a significant decrease in drugs being placed at ship´s rudder or others underwater compartments had been seen in past years; unfortunately, this seems not to be the case anymore and so pre