Drugs Found Aboard Colombian Warship

Authorities announced an embarrassing discovery Friday as Peruvian President Alejandro Toledo arrived to discuss anti-drug strategies: a large stash of cocaine and heroin on the flagship naval vessel he is to visit.


Adm. Mauricio Soto, the commander of the Colombian Navy, said about 37 pounds of cocaine and 22 pounds of heroin were found Thursday in the engine room of the Gloria — a three-masted sailing ship that is the pride of the Colombian Navy and which was to embark next month on a six-month trip to the United States and Europe.


Colombian President Alvaro Uribe suspended the ship’s entire 75-member crew pending an investigation and postponed the ship’s voyage next month, saying he preferred the boat “rot in place instead … of rotting the national honor.” Three sailors were arrested.