Arms running N.Korean ship pays fine, heads home

A FINE of $693,333 has been paid by the North Korean ship Chong Chon Gang and the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) has given the ok to its departure.

"The payment has been received, and in strict compliance with its processes, the ACP has authorized the departure of the ship," the agency said.

The Chong Chon Gang was detained July 10 with a cargo of weapons hidden in a load of sugar from Cuba and bound for North Korea.
The prosecutor responsible for the case recently ordered the release of 32 of the 35 the boat's crew, on the grounds that they were not informed of the arms.
The other three, including the captain, will have to face charges of arms trafficking.