Seoul: The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Tuesday announced that South Korean authorities have initiated an investigation on the Norwegian-flagged cargo vessel M/V Lunita, which was intercepted for transporting two tons of suspected cocaine. The vessel was manned by a Filipino crew at the time of the raid.

According to Philippines News Agency, Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Eduardo Jose De Vega has confirmed the presence of the Filipino crew aboard the M/V Lunita during the operation. Although the crew members are currently not detained, they remain on the vessel and are being investigated by local authorities.

De Vega explained that the South Korean authorities are in the process of determining probable cause to establish the crew's involvement in drug trafficking. Should evidence suggest their responsibility, charges may be filed, leading to possible detention. "Right now, they are not detained, they are on board as of now," he stated.

The joint raid by the Korea Customs Service and Korea Coast Guard took place on April 2 at Okgye Port in Gangneung, Gangwon province, following a tip-off from the US Federal Bureau of Investigation. South Korean authorities reportedly uncovered 57 boxes of suspected cocaine on the vessel.

De Vega also mentioned that the ship owner has secured legal counsel for the Filipino crew, and the DFA is prepared to offer legal assistance if requested by the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), which is the primary agency overseeing the case. The DFA is currently awaiting official reports from the Philippine Embassies in Seoul and Oslo.