Land sea forensics 2026

We are seeing a continued rise in incidents involving drug smuggling operations targeting commercial vessels, with owners increasingly exposed to associated financial, legal, and reputational risks.

Recent patterns suggest that vessels may be targeted opportunistically in certain ports and anchorages, with illicit substances concealed onboard without crew knowledge. This can lead to significant delays, regulatory scrutiny, and potential liability for owners and operators.

We recommend heightened vigilance across all operations, including:

• Reinforced onboard security measures and access controls

• Increased crew awareness and training on suspicious activity

• Enhanced monitoring during high-risk port calls