Bound for Pyongyang, the vessel carried 10,200 tonnes of sugar from Cuba. The vessel stopped a couple of days to fix some technical deficiencies in her engine and electrical system.
The Chon Chon Gang was detained in Panama on 10 July 2013 under suspicion of carrying drugs as she tried to transit the waterway. In fact, Panamanian authorities discovered a cargo of weapons – parts of MIG 21 aircraft, missiles launchers amongst others - hidden under tonnes of sugar bags.
The 35-crew was arrested but released in 15 February and returned to Cuba with the vessel after the shipowner paid a $600,000 fine to the Panama Canal Authority, for having endangered the security of the waterway and made false cargo declaration.
The captain and two other officers are still under detention in Panama facing charges of arms trafficking.
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