UN bans 4 ships from global ports for violating N Korea sanctions

"Hugh Griffiths, co-ordinator of a UN panel on North Korean sanctions, described the move as unprecedented.

The ships were reportedly the Petrel 8, Hao Fan 6, Tong San 2 and Jie Shun.

The UN Security Council expanded sanctions on North Korea last month in response to Pyongyang's sixth and largest nuclear test yet.

The ban was announced following a UN meeting on Monday.

Mr Griffiths, speaking after the meeting on the enforcement of sanctions on North Korea, said the ships were found "transporting prohibited goods". "

UN bans ships violating N Korea sanctions