The Colombian authorities say they have seized six tonnes of cocaine from a Colombian ship in a joint operation with the United States navy.

The fishing vessel was intercepted in international waters off Colombia's Pacific coast.

Seven crew members were arrested.

The commander of the Colombian navy, Admiral Sergio Garcia, said the seizure was a result of improved cooperation between the US and Colombian navies.

He said the arrested men would be taken to the United States to face trial. The seizure comes as the US congress is considering a proposed one-and-a-half billion dollar aid package to help tackle drug production in Colombia.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service