Colon, Panama: Drug Trafficking Tip Leads Authorities to Seize Cuban Missiles Destined for North Korea

From El Pais on July 16, 2013- Last week North Korean ship coming from Cuba was stopped in the Caribbean city of Colon on suspicions of drug trafficking. After two days of inspection, authorities found illegal missiles hidden under a shipment of brown sugar. North Korea is forbidden to participate in the arms trade, aside from light arms, per UN sanctions against the regime. During the operation, the 35 member crew of the Chong Chon Gang resisted arrest and the captain attempted to commit suicide. This isn’t the first time this ship has caused suspicion. The Chong Chon Gang has been known to traffick drugs and light weapons. In the past it has been intercepted in the Ukraine and it was assaulted by Somali pirates last year. The North Korean government is remaining silent on the seizure.  Read Article