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Aussies capture North Korean Drug Boat
(Hat Tip to Den Beste Followup to a story from the 18th) Special forces brave big seas to capture drug boat HMAS Stuart is escorting a North Korean vessel at the centre of a suspected international drug running syndicate into Sydney Harbour. The trawler, the Pong Su, registered in Tuvalu and owned by a North Korean company, was seized off the New South Wales mid north coast earlier today. No cement, no scuds this time, just heroin It is alleged to have been involved in the importation of 50 kilograms of high grade heroin, near Lorne in Victoria last week. (street value = $2 Million per kilo per story on 18th) The Defence Force's Special Operations Commander, Major General Duncan Lewis, says heavily armed officers seized the Pong Su in very high seas. "Very dangerous operation obviously with large surge going up and down the side of the vessel, they quickly boarded the vessel and then sought to dominate by securing the bridge," Major General Lewis said. "The vessel was brought under our control in a matter of minutes really from the time the boarding commenced and as soon as the ship was declared secure, then very clearly, in accordance with the regulations, we handed jurisdiction back to the customs and Australian federal police officers." The Pong Su's 30 crew have been detained for questioning. In the meantime, four people have been arrested and charged over the drug seizure in Victoria last week. More export operations from Pyongyang. The only thing they can export anymore is illegal arms & missiles, drugs and scientists Posted by: Frank G 2003-04-20 |
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