Colombian Navy Intercepts Semi-Submarine with $27 Million of Cocaine
A semi-submersible carrying almost 800 kilograms of Cocaine, including parcels stamped with a scorpion symbol, has been intercepted by the Colombian navy.
The 15-meter-long “narco-sub”, the first to be detected this year, was seized in Colombian waters.
The Navy estimated the haul was worth $27m (£21m) and said the sub was believed to be on its way to the US or Europe.
Three people who were on board the craft have been arrested.
The navy said it intercepted the sub traveling through the Pacific Ocean on Sunday.
On board were packages of cocaine hydrochloride, many stamped with the scorpion image or labeled “Winnie” and “Carnal”.
Read Also:
Cameroon Rolls Out World’s First Malaria Vaccine
The drugs and the suspects were transported to Buenaventura, a Colombian port city, the navy said. Further details about the suspects are yet to be released.
With this seizure, the entry of nearly $27m to drug trafficking organizations was prevented, as a result of its sale in the international illegal market, as well as the distribution of approximately two million doses on the streets of the world, the Colombian Navy said in a statement.
Narco-subs are a popular way to transport drugs as they can go largely undetected and can be sunk after delivery.
They are often homemade, and constructed using fiberglass and plywood.
Colombia is the world’s largest producer of cocaine.
In 2023, the Colombian Navy intercepted 30 tonnes of the drug and more than five tonnes of marijuana.
