The Panamanian foreign minister announced?on Monday? that an?American?tanker was recently intercepted?by Panama. The Panamanian flagged vessel violated the maritime laws of the country and disconnected its transponder as it sailed out of Venezuelan waters with a crude cargo.

In a television interview, Javier Martinez-Acha said that Panama would take "measures" in response. He did not go into further detail.

If an investigation reveals that the vessel?didn't follow maritime rules, then a country can cancel its registration. The U.S. Coast Guard targeted the supertanker Centuries on Saturday after it left Venezuela. It was flying Panamanian flag.

(source: Reuters)