21217: (Hermantin)Sun-Sentinel-130 pounds of cocaine seized on freighter in Miami (fwd)

[Bob Corbett <corbetre@webster.edu>]

From: leonie hermantin <lhermantin@hotmail.com>

130 pounds of cocaine seized on freighter in Miami

By Madeline Baró Diaz
Miami Bureau
Posted April 10 2004

MIAMI · The Department of Homeland Security announced Friday that it seized
130 pounds of cocaine from a freighter that was allegedly hijacked in Haiti
at the height of the government crisis.

On Thursday, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers searched the
200-foot freighter Margot, which was docked on the Miami River. Officers
found the packages of cocaine concealed in a hidden compartment under the
cargo deck of the freighter, which carries a Panamanian flag.

The ship's crew, six of whom were from the Philippines and one who was
Panamanian, were interviewed by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents,
the FBI and Miami-Dade police. The crew members were then released to the
ship's agent for return to their countries.

No arrests have been made, but Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials
have opened an investigation. Customs and Border Protection seized the ship.

In late February, the Coast Guard intercepted the Margot 10 miles off
Government cut, with as many as 17 unauthorized and gun-bearing Haitians on
board and four Haitian passengers. The boat was headed to South Florida in
the midst of violence that preceded Haitian President Jean-Bertrand
Aristide's departure from the country.

Although the ship's crew reported that the vessel had been hijacked, U.S.
officials determined the ship had not been hijacked and that there was not
enough evidence to warrant prosecution of anyone on board. Federal officials
later repatriated the 21 Haitians.

It was not clear Friday night if there was a connection between both
incidents involving the Margot.

Homeland Security spokesman Zachary Mann said it was "interesting" that
after the alleged hijacking the ship showed up in port with cocaine on
board.

"Only in Miami, right?" he said.

Madeline Baró Diaz can be reached at mbaro@sun-sentinel.com or 305-810-5007.



Copyright © 2004, South Florida Sun-Sentinel

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