Drug Trafficking Under the Modality of “Containers”: Complex Threat Within the International Maritime Trade

Authors

  • Cedrid Gómez Torregrosa Centro Internacional de Investigación y Análisis contra el Narcotráfico Marítimo

Keywords:

Containers, ISPS Code, Maritime Drug Trafficking, Transnational Criminal Organization, Maritime Transport, Cocaine Hydrochloride, Seaports

Abstract

This article seeks to conduct an analysis from a legal and operational point of view related to measures to counteract drug trafficking through the “Container” modality, verifying statistics established by the International Maritime Analysis Center against Drug Trafficking (CMCON), following comparative models of data collected and using official and open source information on seizures made in the maritime and port area related to seizures of different types of drugs worldwide. In addition, a documentary review was carried out on the main control measures in ports, contemplating: The Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS Code), port regulations of Colombia, Mexico, Honduras, Panama, among others, in addition to some references related to the phenomenon of drug trafficking via “Containers” with a disruptive focus on the conditions that favor Transnational Criminal Organizations (TCOs) within the world of maritime trade.
Finally, it objectively shows how this phenomenon has evolved over the years under this modality, how it is correlated in each continent, and what are the difficulties and challenges that the authorities have had worldwide, since this threat, due to its legal nature, is different in each country. Keywords: Containers, ISPS Code, Maritime Drug Trafficking, Transnational Criminal Organization, maritime transport, Cocaine Hydrochloride, Sea Ports.

Author Biography

Cedrid Gómez Torregrosa, Centro Internacional de Investigación y Análisis contra el Narcotráfico Marítimo

The Maritime Drug Trafficking Analyst is a professional with a background in Naval Sciences, specializing in the analysis of the dynamics, methods, and trends associated with maritime drug trafficking. His experience is affiliated with the International Center for Research and Analysis against Maritime Drug Trafficking (CMCON), based in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia, where he conducts research, analysis, and knowledge-generation activities aimed at contributing to the prevention and understanding of maritime drug trafficking.

His professional profile combines expertise in Naval Sciences, maritime security, maritime transportation, and criminal analysis, with a particular focus on transnational criminal organizations and the use of maritime routes, ports, and vessels for the illicit trafficking of controlled substances.

     

References

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Published

08/26/2026

How to Cite

Gómez Torregrosa, C. (2026). Drug Trafficking Under the Modality of “Containers”: Complex Threat Within the International Maritime Trade. DERROTERO, 2(16). Retrieved from https://revistasescuelanaval.com/derrotero/article/view/199

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