US seizes North Korean ship for sanctions violations

By Michael Hernandez

WASHINGTON (AA) - The U.S. announced Thursday it seized a North Korean vessel for allegedly violating international sanctions.

The 17,000-ton bulk carrier ship, the Wise Honest, was used to ship North Korean coal that is subject to UN sanctions, according to the Justice Department.

It is currently in U.S. custody.

“This sanctions-busting ship is now out of service,” Assistant Attorney General Demers said in a statement.

"North Korea, and the companies that help it evade U.S. and U.N. sanctions, should know that we will use all tools at our disposal — including a civil forfeiture action such as this one or criminal charges — to enforce the sanctions enacted by the U.S. and the global community," he added.