Several Filipino nationals have been confirmed as part of the crew of the MV Lunita, a cargo vessel seized in South Korea after authorities discovered two tons of cocaine onboard.
The confirmation came from J.J. Ugland Companies, the Norwegian owner of the ship, who also stated that the crew members remain aboard the vessel as investigations continue.
The Norwegian-flagged MV Lunita docked at Okgye, South Korea, on April 4, where customs authorities uncovered the large volume of illegal drugs hidden within the ship.
Authorities in South Korea are conducting a full investigation to determine how the cocaine was brought onto the vessel.
J.J. Ugland Companies has retained legal counsel to assist the crew and is cooperating closely with officials in South Korea and other relevant jurisdictions.
The company reiterated its strict adherence to a zero-tolerance policy on illegal activities and announced it would launch a thorough internal review of its facilities and personnel.
According to shipping records, the MV Lunita has recently made port calls in Mexico, Ecuador, Panama, China, and South Korea, raising questions about the ship’s route and potential exposure to drug trafficking networks.