VOICED : Corea del Norte paga multa por barco en P

Seven months after its detention, a North Korean ship was allowed to leave Panama after paying a fine of over $690,000. The ship, Chongchonggang, was intercepted in July 2013 under suspicion of drug trafficking. Instead, authorities found 25 containers of undeclared Cuban weapons hidden under sugar. Cuba admitted ownership but claimed the weapons were obsolete, while North Korea stated they had a legitimate contract to refurbish them. The canal authority fined the ship for endangering the canal's safety and providing false cargo information. Most of the 35 crew members were released without charges, but the captain and two others face trial for arms trafficking, risking up to 12 years in prison.

Why was the North Korean ship initially detained in Panama?

• For not paying the canal fee

• For carrying undeclared Cuban weapons

• Under suspicion of drug trafficking

• For attempting to cross the canal without permission

What did the Panamanian authorities find hidden under the sugar cargo?

• Endangered animals

• Stolen goods

• Cuban weaponry and military vehicles

• Illegal drugs

How did Cuba respond to the discovery of the weapons?

• They admitted ownership but said the weapons were outdated

• They claimed the weapons were stolen

• They denied any involvement

• They accused Panama of planting the weapons

What was the reason for the fine imposed by the canal authority?

• For polluting the canal waters

• For not paying the transit fee

• For endangering the canal's safety and providing false cargo information

• For damaging the canal infrastructure

What legal action is being taken against the ship's captain and two others?

• They are facing trial for arms trafficking

• They are being released without charges

• They are being deported

• They are being fined