Judge releases fishermen with cocaine cargo

FOUR COSTA-RICAN  fishermen found with a half ton of cocaine  hidden on board their vessel have been released from detention.

They had been accused of drug trafficking when they were arrested, Saturday, September 24.

Their vessel was stopped and searched and officials found a half-ton of cocaine on board  but it was not enough to convince  Chiriquí Judge Mitzila Mendez.

Mendez   ordered their  release saying  there was insufficient evidence

Prosecutor Carlos González said he will appeal because he maintains there is sufficient evidence in the case.

He said the drugs were found in a hidden compartment on the built inside the tank where fish are kept

The sailors have been ordered to report to authorities weekly and have been told not to leave the country until the case is resolved.

González expressed concern that the men would flee the country

The boat was stopped near Punta Burica, along the border with Costa Rica.