A gang has planted drugs on a Maersk Line container vessel in an operation that saw one crew member injured.
The Danish company told TradeWinds the incident took place on the 2,550-teu Maersk Newbury (built 2001) as it was passing through the Guayaquil channel in Ecuador.
The incident appears to show a new strategy for drug smugglers, with vessels having previously been targeted in ports, not while underway.
The crew reported unidentified people had boarded the vessel on 1 October.
Maersk alerted authorities and requested discharge and inspection of container units in the cargo deck where the individuals had been seen.
During the next port call at Puerto Bolivar, Ecuador, the authorities confirmed illegal drugs were found in one of the containers.
"We are collaborating with the local authorities in charge of the case. As a matter of policy, Maersk will not comment further while investigations are ongoing," it said.
One crew member required medical attention for a minor injury.
"The vessel was supported well by the Coast Guard during the incident and the crew is safe," the owner added.
