US Seizes North Korea Cargo Ship Accused Of Violating Sanctions

The United States on Thursday announced the seizure of a North Korean cargo ship for violating international sanctions, boosting pressure on Pyongyang as nuclear negotiations have stalled.

The US Justice Department said it took possession of the North Korea-registered bulk carrier M/V Wise Honest one year after it was detained in Indonesia.

It said the vessel's owner, the Korea Songi Shipping Company, had used it to illicitly export coal and import heavy machine, and paid for maintenance and equipment using US dollars in violation of US and international sanctions on North Korea.