Ukrainian customs confiscate $60 million worth of cocaine in record drugs bust
By APTuesday, July 6, 2010
Ukraine seizes record $60 million in cocaine
KIEV, Ukraine — Ukrainian customs officials say they’ve seized $60 million (euro47.5 million) worth of cocaine in the Black Sea Port of Odessa, in the country’s biggest cocaine bust ever.
A statement late Monday said 580 kilograms were hidden in a cargo of scrap metal on a boat from Bolivia. The drugs were stashed between thick pipes to escape X-ray detection, the statement said.
Viktor Pogozhiy, head of Odessa’s anti-smuggling customs unit, said on TV that imports of scrap metal arouse suspicion in Ukraine, a big metals producer. There was information on arrests.
National television reported that 150 kilograms of cocaine were seized at the port last week.
The seizure came days after President Viktor Yanukovych ordered officials to bolster anti-drug efforts.
