There are growing concerns that criminal gangs have infiltrated maritime supply chains and are now operating ‘legitimate’ forwarding businesses that move significant amounts of illegal drugs via commercial vessels. World Customs Organisation study (WCO) findings revealed that 70 per cent of maritime drug seizures had a trusted insider link. The research body stated that smugglers continue to exploit surveillance gaps and compromised officers, while economic despair, particularly among youths, drives participation in the drug trade and consumption. The group stressed that only an integrated, proactive approach can stem the tide of illicit drug proliferation and its attendant socio-economic consequences. “The time has come for decisive reforms, community participation and technological modernisation in managing the war against drugs,” SEREC stated.

Source: The Guardian December 24, 2025 15:46 UTC