Chinese authorities say they have busted a Colombia-based drug smuggling ring that operated in China.
At a news conference in Hong Kong Tuesday, customs agents announced they had seized 142 kilograms of cocaine in southern China - the largest seizure of cocaine ever in the nation.
Officials estimate the drugs had a street value of at least $13 million.
Nine people were arrested in the case, including three Colombians, one Venezuelan, three mainland Chinese and two people from Hong Kong.
The joint operation was conducted earlier this year by the customs departments in Hong Kong and China, and the United States Drug Enforcement Agency.
Authorities say drug traffickers are smuggling Colombian cocaine into China, looking for buyers in Asia.
Some information for this report was provided by AFP, AP and Reuters.