Also it might not be that specific ship that has the contraband cargo but when you get a nice traffic jam like this going it provides a great opportunity to search any number of ships that are stopped to wait for this to clear.
Not to mention it would also prevent military reactions in the nearby area from moving effectively. IE getting to the med in order to react to some sort of problem in Syria.
Watch the water? A canal is water.
Also it might not be that specific ship that has the contraband cargo but when you get a nice traffic jam like this going it provides a great opportunity to search any number of ships that are stopped to wait for this to clear.
Not to mention it would also prevent military reactions in the nearby area from moving effectively. IE getting to the med in order to react to some sort of problem in Syria.