Pubdate: Mon, 18 Jun 2001
Source: Daily News of Los Angeles (CA)
Copyright: 2001 Daily News of Los Angeles
Contact: http://www.DailyNews.com/contact/letters.asp
Website: http://www.DailyNews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/246

OFFICIALS RAISE A STINK OVER DRUG BUST SQUID

The largest cocaine seizure in U.S. maritime history has left federal 
authorities struggling with what to do with tons of rotting squid.

The squid was seized along with 13 tons of cocaine that U.S. Navy and Coast 
Guard officials found nearly two months ago in the Svedsa Maru, which was 
intercepted about 1,500 miles south of San Diego.

Federal prosecutors claim the 10 Ukrainian and Russian seamen aboard were 
bringing the drugs from Mexico to the United States. The crew is being held 
in San Diego without bail on charges of conspiracy with intent to 
distribute drugs on board a vessel, which carry a minimum of 10 years in 
prison.

Defense attorneys contend the crew of the 152-foot fishing boat was fishing 
and want the squid, which was used as bait, kept to prove their case.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Anthony J. Battaglia issued an order May 17 to have 
the squid preserved.

Keeping the squid in temperatures of 40 degrees below zero has cost the 
government $3,600 to date, said Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Gallo, who has 
grown weary of the situation.

"We don't want it," Gallo said.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom