US authorities seized almost 16,5 tons of cocaine in the biggest drug bust in the history of the country

News24xx.com - The United States authorities have confiscated 16.5 tons of cocaine from a ship in the port of Philadelphia. The cocaine is valued at more than USD 1 billion, which break the record of drug busts in the US. As reported by Reuters and AFP on Wednesday, June 19th 2019, this 16.5-tonne cocaine was found in seven containers which were in MSC Gayane cargo ships.

The cargo ship was reportedly about to sail to Europe after previously anchored in Chile, Panama and the Bahamas. The bust was carried out by federal agents, state agents and local law enforcement on Monday, June 17th 2019 local time, when the cargo ship docked at the Philadelphia Packer Marine Terminal.

Federal authorities arrested two crew members of the cargo ship. Both named Ivan Durasevic and Fonofaavae Tiasaga. To the investigators, the two suspects told how they helped to put the cargo of cocaine into the ship.

"This is one of the biggest drug busts in US history" said US attorney for the Eastern District in Philadelphia, William McSwain, in a statement via Twitter. "Members of the crew have been arrested and charged by federal law" he added.

McSwain's prosecutor's office estimates that 16.5 tons of cocaine is worth more than USD 1 billion. "This much cocaine can kill millions - MILLIONS - people" McSwain said in a statement. The owner of the cargo ship, Mediterranean Shipping Company, said that they are aware of this incident. They also stated that their company has a history of good relation with US law enforcement agencies to help dismantle illegal drug trafficking.

News24xx.com/fik/red