Authorities in Colombia have announced the successful capture of six so-called 'narco subs' filled with cocaine as part of a large-scale international anti-drug operation. Led by the Colombian Navy, the mission involved 62 countries and resulted in the seizure of over 1,400 metric tons of drugs, primarily marijuana, between October 1 and November 14.
Vice Adm. Orlando Enrique Grisales, the chief of naval operations staff for the Colombian Navy, revealed that among the confiscated drugs was a significant amount of cocaine, totaling 225 metric tons. Notably, 5 tons of cocaine were discovered aboard a semi-submersible vessel en route from Colombia to Australia.
The intercepted vessel, equipped with enough fuel to reach Australia, marked the third 'narco sub' intercepted on this particular trafficking route. The discovery of the first vessel in Colombian waters enabled authorities to identify the route, leading to collaboration with Australian authorities to combat drug trafficking.
Australian police, when contacted for comment on the find, declined to provide further details. In recent years, Australian authorities have warned of an increasing trend of international drug cartels targeting the country due to rising cocaine consumption and high street prices, creating a lucrative illicit market.
The use of 'narco subs' by traffickers dates back to the late 1990s when Colombian cartels sought ways to evade US law enforcement patrols in the Caribbean Sea to transport illegal cargo into the United States. The recent 225-ton seizure of cocaine represents a significant blow to drug trafficking operations.
According to a report by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, global cocaine production reached a record high of 2,700 tons in 2022. The successful interception of the 'narco subs' underscores the ongoing efforts of international authorities to combat drug trafficking and disrupt illicit networks.
