Manila, Philippines — One and a half month after the now considered as the largest drug bust in South Korea, 4 out of the 20 Filipino crewmen of MV Lunita remain under investigation regarding the shipment.
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) confirmed that two of these were arrested, while two are person’s of interest in the drug seizure.
It can be recalled that on April 1, MV Lunita arrived at Okgye Port in Gangneung, Gangwon Province, carrying the 20 Filipino crew.
The next day, the Korea Coast Guard and Seoul Regional Customs Office conducted an inspection in the ship following a tip from the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Homeland Security Investigations.
During the inspection, two tons of suspected cocaine were discovered in a sealed compartment in the ship’s engine room.
DMW did not disclose other details of the investigation but confirmed that this is an issue of violation of the Narcotics Control Act of Korea.
Amidst this, the agency assured to provide legal counsel and assistance to the four Filipino seafarers.
Meanwhile, the other 16 crew were successfully repatriated back in the Philippines after they were cleared of involvement.
DMW noted that the repatriations were in two batches, on May 11 and 12, and that the crewmen are undergoing debriefing with the agency and the representatives of the shipowners.