South Korean authorities have confiscated a record two tons of suspected cocaine from the Norwegian-flagged bulk carrier M/V Lunita, marking the largest drug seizure in the country's history, officials confirmed.

The vessel, owned by Norway's J.J. Ugland, arrived at South Korea's Okgye Port in Gangneung on April 2 after sailing from Mexico via Ecuador, Panama, and China. Acting on intelligence from the U.S. FBI and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Korean customs and coast guard officers conducted a joint search of the 32,000-ton ship.

The Korea Customs Service reported that a team of 90 narcotics agents and two K-9 units boarded the ship early Tuesday morning and discovered a hidden compartment behind the engine room. Inside, they found 57 packages containing cocaine, with preliminary tests estimating the total haul at approximately 2,000 kilograms. Authorities valued the seized drugs at around 1 trillion won ($730 million).

J.J. Ugland confirmed the seizure in a statement, saying it is cooperating with South Korean and other relevant authorities. "Authorities discovered a significant quantity of cocaine concealed aboard our vessel," the company said. "The investigation is ongoing, and it remains unclear how the drugs came to be on board. We are assisting authorities in their inquiries."

The M/V Lunita, manned by Filipino crew members, remains detained at the port, with the company providing legal support to the seafarers. The confiscated substances have been sent to the National Forensic Service for analysis as the probe continues.

J.J. Ugland emphasized a zero-tolerance policy toward illegal activities and stated it adheres to strict safety and control procedures. The company added that it will review its protocols and consider additional measures to enhance vessel security in light of the incident.