State: Officials: Suspected drug boat seized

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Officials: Suspected drug boat seized

By Times staff writer

TAMPA -- U.S. authorities have seized another suspected drug smuggling vessel in international waters off the western coast of South America, it was disclosed Wednesday.

Federal prosecutors said half a ton of cocaine was seized, and 10 men arrested on charges of drug trafficking.

It is the third time this year U.S. authorities have seized boats off South America.

The 10 men were stopped July 11 in a 76-foot fishing boat, according to a statement from the U.S. Attorney's Office. The men were brought to Tampa and face possible 10-year minimum-mandatory prison sentences if convicted.

Attorneys for crew members of two other boats seized earlier this year are arguing that U.S. investigators failed to follow the terms of a treaty with Colombia that permits U.S. agents to seize Colombian-flagged vessels in international waters.