North Korean ship stopped in the Panama Canal

Authorities in Panama claim that a North Korean ship, the Chong Chon Gang, stopped at the Panama Canal contained parts to a surface-to-air missile system, which would be a violation of U.N. sanctions imposed because of the nation’s nuclear weapons program. The ship was stopped last week on its way back to North Korea from Cuba, and was raided on Monday. The crew, comprised of all North Korean citizens, was arrested.

The crew attempted to sabotage the ship by cutting cables to the ship’s cranes, and then refused to raise the ship’s anchor to bring it into port. Once the ship was boarded, the captain reportedly became agitated when officials began checking containers holding 220 lb. bags of sugar. He then attempted to commit suicide by slitting his throat.

Panamanian President Ricardo Martinelli said on Panama radio Tuesday, “We found containers which presumably contain sophisticated missile equipment. That is not allowed. The Panama canal is a canal of peace, not war.”