By Kotie Geldenhuys
Photos courtesy of Wikimedia
Criminal organisations exploit the vastness of the world’s oceans by smuggling illicit drugs across international borders, evading detection through sophisticated concealment methods and complex logistical networks. The maritime drug trade is facilitated by various vessels, ranging from small fishing boats to large cargo ships, making interception and enforcement difficult.
Along the shores of coastal countries, a silent battle unfolds as illicit drug markets tighten their grip. Many of these countries, shaped by their own political and socioeconomic landscapes, find themselves increasingly vulnerable, not only due to internal challenges but also because of their unfortunate position along major transnational drug trafficking routes. These routes serve as highways for illicit substances, linking drug production hubs to lucrative markets both regionally and globally. Cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, cannabis and a host of synthetic drugs move seamlessly through these waters, taking advantage of weaknesses in port security and law enforcement. As traffickers exploit these gaps, the drugs find their way to consumers, fuelling organised crime and leaving a trail of economic and social disruption in their wake (ESACD, 2023).
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[This is only an extract of an article published in Servamus: June 2025. This article is available for purchase.]