AAP General News (Australia)
04-21-2003
FED: Pong Su could be sold for govt coffers
A cargo ship seized in a raid on an alleged international drug ring may be auctioned
off as Australian government property.
The 4,000 tonne bulk carrier -- Pong Su -- was intercepted by HMAS Stuart off Newcastle
yesterday after the captain led federal and state authorities on a four-day ocean chase
from Victoria.
About 50 customs and Australian Federal Police officers scoured the ship today.
The ship's been described as the "mother ship" of a drug smuggling ring which allegedly
delivered 50 kilograms to Australia last week.
An AFP spokeswoman says the search will continue tomorrow and investigations are continuing
to determine who owns the vessel, which is registered in Tuvalu.
The spokeswoman says the ship could be auctioned off under the Customs Act if it was
proven to be used for drug smuggling.
The North Korean crew remains in custody after their case was mentioned in Parramatta
Local Court.
Four other people were arrested last week and charged with drug smuggling after a raid
at Lorne on Victoria's southwest coast.
AAP RTV gmw/jtb
KEYWORD: HEROIN SHIP FORFEIT (SYDNEY)
2003 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.
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