The Philippines said on Monday it had impounded a North Korean ship, becoming the first country to enforce tough new sanctions imposed on the state last week.
Despite flying a Sierra Leone flag, the Jin Teng was seized on Monday on suspicions the vessel is operated by a North Korean shipping group that has been blacklisted by the UN and faces an asset freeze.
“This is in compliance with the UN Security Council resolution that calls for sanctions,” said Charles Jose, a spokesperson for the Philippine foreign ministry. “The most important thing is to impound the vessel so it cannot engage in economic activity that could benefit North Korea.”