33K pounds of cocaine seized in one of biggest US drug busts
U.S. authorities seized 33,000 pounds of cocaine in Philadelphia this afternoon. Described as one of the largest drug busts in American history.
How much is it worth on the streets? $1 billion
*BREAKING NEWS* 16.5 tons of cocaine has an approximate street value of over $1 billion. @ICEgov @CBPMidAtlantic @PhillyPolice @USCG https://t.co/GoY2bz4LlE
— U.S. Attorney EDPA (@USAO_EDPA) June 18, 2019
Federal authorities are searching the cargo ship, the MSC Gayane, and are continuing to investigate. The DEA official said the ship originated from Chile and traveled through Panama and the Bahamas. Two members of the crew have been arrested and face federal charges, according to The Associated Press.
Other containers are now in question if they could potentially contain more cocaine.
Ivan Durasevic and Fonofaavae Tiasage, were charged with conspiracy to possess cocaine aboard a ship, according to the AP.