In a high-profile maritime case drawing international attention, 20 Filipino seafarers are under investigation in South Korea after authorities discovered approximately two metric tons of cocaine concealed aboard their cargo vessel, M/V Lunita.

The vessel, which is registered under the Norwegian flag, is owned by J.J. Ugland Companies and is crewed entirely by Filipinos.

The Philippine Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) announced that in addition to the legal representation already being provided by the ship’s Norwegian owner, the Philippine government will deploy an independent lawyer to ensure the crew receives full legal assistance throughout the ongoing investigation.

Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac earlier confirmed that there were 20 Filipinos on board the M/V Lunita, including the ship’s captain.

The vessel docked in Okgye, Gangneung City, on April 2, where South Korean authorities discovered over 50 boxes of cocaine stored in a concealed compartment within the ship’s engine room.

“The substance was reportedly found in the engine room. Authorities are investigating who were involved and if the Filipino crew were among them,” Cacdac said in a television interview on April 8.

While the full details of the case are still developing, Cacdac emphasized that the crew is entitled to the presumption of innocence.

“This is already included in the investigation — who may be involved, if any of the crew members are included, what the details are, where they were or their locations, and the involvement of each crew member on board,” he explained.

“But as of now, of course, they are entitled to their defense, to be presumed innocent. We are providing the necessary legal counsel in tandem with the one provided by the ship owner,” he added.

Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Eduardo Jose De Vega said that South Korean authorities are still determining whether there is probable cause to file formal charges.

“The South Koreans are still investigating — if there is a determination of probable cause that it’s their responsibility, that they were trafficking drugs, then they’ll be charged and most probably detained,” De Vega said.

He added that the Department of Foreign Affairs is currently awaiting official reports from the Philippine embassies in Seoul and Oslo.

According to authorities, M/V Lunita had traveled an extensive international route before reaching South Korea, including stops in Mexico, Ecuador, Panama, and China. Intelligence from the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation and Homeland Security Investigations reportedly tipped off South Korean officials to the presence of the illegal cargo.

The seized drugs, weighing approximately two tons and valued at an estimated US$679.6 million, represent one of the largest drug seizures in South Korea’s history, according to the Korea Customs Service, as cited by The Korea Times.

Despite the seriousness of the allegations, the DMW reported that the Filipino crew members have not been arrested or taken into custody. As of April 11, they remain aboard the docked vessel.

DMW Undersecretary Felicitas Bay said a representative from the department’s South Korea office has already visited the crew.

“Based on the discussions through the captain, there is still an ongoing investigation. So, we will not discuss what are the matters in the investigation, but we are assured that they are in good condition and they are healthy,” Bay said.

Bay also noted that the crew has access to essential services.

She added that the crew has access to a Filipino interpreter and a lawyer provided by their shipping agency, while the ship owner continues to supply their wages, food, and other basic needs.

J.J. Ugland Companies, the owner of M/V Lunita, released a statement expressing full cooperation with international authorities.

“An investigation is ongoing, and it is still unclear how the drugs came aboard our vessel. We are working with relevant authorities to assist in the investigation, both in South Korea and in other affected jurisdictions,” the shipping company said.

The company added that it operates under strict compliance protocols.

“We await the conclusions of the investigation and act on the factual basis that emerges. The J.J. Ugland companies take this matter very seriously.

“We have zero tolerance for illegal actions and follow all security- and control routines required in our operations. We will also review our own procedures in light of this incident to consider further measures that can strengthen the security of our vessels.”

According to the shipping company, the vessel had made port calls in Mexico, Ecuador, Panama, China, and South Korea over the past few months.

As the legal process unfolds, Cacdac urged caution in making public statements or speculating on the crew’s awareness or involvement.

“We won’t be answering inquiries for now about awareness or any specific allegations or defenses, statements by any of the crew, because what we’re doing now is advising them as they are going through investigation. There will be a proper time to lay down the defenses as we go along,” he said.

South Korea enforces some of the world’s strictest drug laws, with penalties ranging from six months to 15 years of imprisonment. As the investigation continues, the Philippine government has reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the rights and welfare of the Filipino seafarers involved.

Photo credit: Yonhap News Agency/Korea Custom Service. South Korean Coast Guard and Customs officers search the Norwegian-flagged cargo vessel M/V Lunita while docked in Gangneung, Gangwon Province on April 2. Around two tons of cocaine were found on board the ship, which was manned by an all-Filipino crew.