Brazilian Navy divers inspect ship hulls at the Port of Santos to seize cocaine hidden in submerged compartments.
Since 2020, the Naval Patrol Group Command of the South-Southeast, based in Santos, has helped seize more than four tons of drugs from about 300 merchant ships. The operations are carried out in partnership with the Federal Police and the Federal Revenue Service.
In May 2026, during an inspection of the ship Green K-Max 1, divers found more than 340 kilograms of cocaine in a cavity known as a sea chest. In April 2023, a single approach resulted in the seizure of 780 kilograms of drugs.
The training of divers lasts about 12 months and includes rigorous physical tests, medical exams and psychological evaluations. Phillip Mendes stated that approximately half of the students do not complete the course.
A diver with 23 years of experience noted that the training enables operations in hostile environments with limited resources. After training, the military personnel carry out salvage missions, underwater repairs and support in the fight against organized crime.