Mexican officials find 23 tons of cocaine on vessel

Mexican officials find 23 tons of cocaine on vessel Authorities at the Port of Manzanillo on Mexico's Pacific Coast said Thursday they had discovered 23 tons of cocaine on a ship that had arrived from Buenaventura, Colombia, making the discovery the single-largest cocaine bust ever in Mexico.
   According to various news reports, Mexican federal police and marines initially found an estimated 12 tons of cocaine on the ship Tuesday. But a second stash of cocaine was later discovered, bringing the total to 23 tons. Investigators were continuing to search the vessel to see if more drugs were hidden.
   Reports said the vessel was sailing under the Hong Kong flag registry.
   The discovery is being touted in Mexico as proof that Mexican authorities are making major inroads against drug trafficking. In addition to the drug bust this week, authorities seized 11 tons from a ship in the Port of Tampico, on Mexico's Gulf Coast, on Oct. 5.