Another yacht bust: 1,500 pounds of marijuana seized near Greece
Published: Sep 1, 2017, 2:54 pm • Updated: Sep 1, 2017, 2:54 pm
By The Associated Press
ATHENS, Greece — A rescue operation in the eastern Aegean Sea has turned into a big marijuana bust.
A Greek coast guard statement says a Turkish-flagged wooden sailboat that issued a distress call near the island of Nisyros was found to be carrying around 700 kilograms (1,500 pounds) of marijuana. The three Turkish nationals on board were arrested.
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The yacht’s crew radioed for help late Thursday, citing engine failure. Greek authorities sent a coast guard launch to look for the vessel. A freighter that had been diverted to help located the sailboat.
The statement says the yacht was towed to Nisyros, where a search early Friday turned up the marijuana cargo. It was not immediately clear where the yacht had been heading.
It’s the second reported bust within the past month of a yacht smuggling marijuana in the area. Greek authorities seized two tons of cannabis from an Italian-flagged vessel destined for the Aegean Sea islands in mid-August.
Cannabist staff contributed to this report.
Topics: bust, smuggling, true story
