CARACAS, June 10 (Xinhuanet) -- A joint operation by the Venezuelan and French navies seized 870 kg of cocaine in Venezuela's tourist state of Nueva Esparta, local authorities said on Friday.

    A commission of the French navy, which came to Margarita Island,Nueva Esparta, as part of a visit, spotted the ship with the cocaine cargo.

    The Venezuelan vessel "Henry y Mary" was registered in the northeastern Venezuelan state of Sucre. The drug was found hidden in sacks marked "Colombian Product." The drug and 12 Venezuelans aboard had been handed over to police for further investigation.

    Venezuela has become a key route for transporting drugs to areas in Europe and North America. It is estimated that at least 150 tons of cocaine reach there via Venezuela every year. Enditem