6 Tons of Cocaine Seized from “Narco Sub” and Hidden Stashes in Colombia, Videos Reveal
Colombian Navy Intercepts Massive Cocaine Shipment
The Colombian navy made a significant bust this week, seizing over six tons of cocaine from a semi-submersible vessel and two underground caches. The operation unfolded off the country’s Pacific coast, where authorities intercepted the so-called “narco sub.” These vessels, notorious for their ability to evade detection, remain a favored tool among international drug traffickers.
Video footage released by officials captures the dramatic moment the narco sub was intercepted. Officers, aided by a sniffer dog, were also seen unearthing hidden stashes of cocaine buried underground. A striking image shared by the navy shows more than 100 packages of suspected narcotics laid out alongside a military boat. The street value of this haul? An estimated $300 million.
Located in Narino, near Colombia’s border with Ecuador, the seizure highlights ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking in the region. While the authorities have not disclosed how many arrests were made or the intended destination of the drugs on the semi-submersible, it’s clear that these operations are part of a larger strategy to curb illegal drug activities.
Just a day before this massive seizure, Colombia’s navy reported another significant interception. Forces seized approximately three tons of narcotics in the Pacific Ocean en route to Central America. This haul followed a high-seas chase involving a “vessel moving suspiciously.” In that operation, three individuals were taken into custody, and the confiscated drugs were valued at about $97 million.
Narco subs are known for their stealthy design; they ride low on the ocean surface but can’t dive fully underwater. Despite their elusive nature, they are frequently captured off Colombia’s coast-the world’s leading cocaine producer. Yet, sightings aren’t confined to South America alone.
In recent months, narco subs have been discovered in various parts of the globe. For instance, Portuguese authorities seized nearly 6.5 tons of cocaine from one such vessel near the Azores archipelago in March. Earlier in January, a suspected narco sub broke apart while being towed by a fishing boat to a port in northwest Spain.
The Mexican navy also reported an interception last November-about 150 miles off Acapulco’s coast-where they confiscated around 8,000 pounds of cocaine from another semi-submersible. Just two months before that event, the U.S. Coast Guard offloaded more than $54 million worth of cocaine from multiple busts, including over 1,200 pounds seized from yet another narco sub.
The fight against drug trafficking is relentless and global in scope. Every successful interception sends ripples through these illicit networks. As authorities continue to adapt and respond to these threats, each capture represents both a victory and a reminder of the challenges still ahead.
For further details on international efforts against drug trafficking and related news, visit BBC News.
For more details, see this background on crime trends.
