Russian custom officers in the port of St. Petersburg discovered over 20 kilograms (44 pounds) of cocaine on a Liberian ship, local officials said Tuesday according to RIA Novosti.
"The Baltic Melody sailing under a Liberian flag, which had arrived from Ecuador, was stopped in the course of an investigation," a spokesman said.
A criminal case has been opened. The offenders face up to seven years in prison and a million ruble fine ($40,000) if found guilty.