- The Washington Times - Sunday, September 22, 2013

French officials discovered 30 colorful suitcases stuffed with 1.3 tons of pure cocaine, valued at about $270 million, on a flight from Caracas, Venezuela, to Paris, CNN reported.

French authorities seized the goods on Sept. 11 but didn’t publicize it until Saturday.

The suitcases were found aboard an Air France flight but did not match any of the passengers, CNN affiliate BFMTV reported.

French Interior Minister Manuel Valls told reporters Saturday that several people have been taken into custody for questioning.

Authorities worked with Spanish, British and Dutch police on the investigation, BFMTV said.

Venezuelan authorities also are investigating.

• Jessica Chasmar can be reached at jchasmar@washingtontimes.com.

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