Even as reports are coming out with the details of the composition of the illegal weapons found on the North Korean-flagged ship seized in Panama, Pyongyang is demanding release of the vessel and its crew.

Panamanian officials seized the “Chongchongang” as it was attempting to transit the Panama Canal earlier this week after receiving reports that the vessel was transporting drugs. When they began the search of the vessel, they found undeclared Soviet-era missiles hidden under a cargo of sugar.

The Cuban Foreign Ministry released a detailed statement admitting that the vessel was carrying 240 metric tons of weaponry that included two Mig-21s and spare parts and anti-aircraft missile systems.

Further investigation into the ship’s cargo would discover nine anti-aircraft missiles, the Migs and 15 spare engines. All of the items were undeclared.

Pyongyang states that the weapons were going to Cuba for repair. The vessel was seized as the vessel was coming from Cuba and headed to North Korea. If it is determined that Cuba is selling weapons to North Korea, Cuba may face sanctions for doing so.

The 35-man crew of the vessel rioted and attempted to stop the investigation of the ship. The captain of the vessel also attempted to commit suicide. Panamanian authorities say that the crew of the vessel remain uncooperative with authorities and refuse to answer any questions.

The vessel has had its tracking equipment turned off for most of its recent voyage that began on April 12th at Vostochnyy, Russia. The tracking system was disabled shortly after leaving that port and was not turned back on until May 31st when it arrived outside of the Panama Canal on the Pacific side enroute to Cuba. The tracking system, required by International law, was turned back off after transit and would not come back on until July 11th as it returned to the Panama Canal to transit into the Pacific.