Maersk Exec: Drug Gangs Are Infiltrating Supply Chain

International drug gangs are using the European shipping supply chain in an 'extreme' manner, according to Keith Svendsen, CEO of APM Terminals, the terminal arm of Danish shipping-giant Maersk Line.

The news comes shortly after the European Commission unveiled plans to crack down on illegal drugs flooding into Europe’s ports.

In 2021, a record 303 tonnes of cocaine were discovered in Europe, with criminal gangs directing the flow of drugs via global shipping routes.

Svendsen said that shippers are having to tackle “...some of the most dangerous people in the world."

He added: "The way that these people are infiltrating the whole supply chain, not only the shipping side or the port side, is rather extreme."

In response, ports across Europe are looking to organise a European Ports Alliance, that's according to a draft of the communication seen by the Financial Times (UK).

The news highlights how in an era of growing cybcercrime in the supply chain, the drugs industry is still a major problem for sea-bound cargo.

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