US Customs just seized a ship owned by JPMorgan after authorities found $1 billion worth of drugs on it
Federal prosecutors in Philadelphia have seized a container ship operated by the Mediterranean Shipping Co. and owned by JPMorgan Asset Management.
That came weeks after authorities found more than $1 billion worth of cocaine on the vessel in what was one of the largest drug busts in American history.
At least half a dozen crew members have been arrested, according to Homeland Security Investigations, and the investigation is ongoing.
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Federal prosecutors in Philadelphia have seized a container ship operated by the Mediterranean Shipping Co., weeks after authorities found more than $1 billion worth of cocaine on the vessel in what was one of the largest drug busts in American history.
US Customs and Border Protection seized the ship on July 4, a statement out Monday said. The ship is owned by client assets in a maritime strategy offered by JPMorgan Asset Management, according to a person familiar with the matter. It is operated by the Switzerland-based MSC.
On June 17, border agents found 39,525 pounds of cocaine stashed in several containers on the MSC Gayane at the Philadelphia seaport. The street value of the drugs was estimated at about $1.3 billion, making it the largest cocaine seizure by the agency.
“A seizure of a vessel this massive is complicated and unprecedented — but it is appropriate because the circumstances here are also unprecedented,” US Attorney William McSwain said. “We found nearly 20 tons of cocaine hidden on this ship.”
At least half a dozen crew members have been arrested, according to Homeland Security Investigations, and the investigation is ongoing. Charges included conspiracy to possess cocaine aboard a ship.
The Gayane sailed under the flag of Liberia and had previously traveled through the Bahamas and several South American countries, according to an online ship tracker.
JPMorgan declined to comment. Mediterranean Shipping Co. did not immediately respond to an email inquiry.
both finds are more than likely a tip off! not underestimating or undermining the honourable work of DHS agencies and their capabilities but I highly doubt the 2 finds of such magnitude were by routine inspection! since its the port in philly then it would very much point to organize criminal network, not so much so mexican or columbian, but more like the italian NDRANGATA or the JEWISH mob! now would be an opportune time for them as we all know the reason! this might explain the massive trimming of the coast guard budget for the carribean sea/miami straits! my grandmother used to say you never see a lane without the turn :ngacir2
Wow! Thank you for saving some life with that poison that was about the distributes to our young kids and family. Thank you Jesus!!
This is just a rockie mistake,someone and their family might lose their lives for this.. trump seh only Mexican bring crime n drugs a merica.. the white man is the biggest criminal round here but is minority pay the price
People skin ago burn
This reminds me of the dangerous Moriartys characters on the tv series ELEMENTARY.