Mexican Navy and Customs officials on Sep 7 released a statement on cocaine bust on board of bulk carrier UBC TOKYO at Altamira port, Mexico, Gulf of Mexico. Two bags or packages were found in a cargo hold loaded with iron ore. The ship arrived at Altamira on Sep 5, from Barranquilla, Colombia.
On Jul 28 225 kilo of cocaine were found on sister ship UBC SAVANNAH, under similar circumstances, also in cargo hold loaded with ore. The story isn’t as clear as it seems:
http://maritimebulletin.net/2019/07/29/cocaine-found-in-unusual-place-in-cargo-hold-loaded-with-ore/
http://maritimebulletin.net/2019/08/17/drama-of-arrested-in-mexico-bulk-carriers-crew/
Either drug smugglers are testing a new delivery scheme, or Mexican law enforcement agencies are boosting their success rating.
Bulk carrier UBC TOKYO, IMO 9300752, dwt 37865, built 2005, flag Cyprus, manager UNITED BULK CARRIERS USA.