narco-submarine

File:Peru Narco-submarine.jpg in December 2019{{cite news |title=Peruvian authorities seize narco-submarine carrying over a ton of cocaine |url=https://www.miamiherald.com/latest-news/article238345743.html |access-date=3 February 2020 |work=The Miami Herald |date=13 December 2019}}]]

A narco-submarine (also called a drug sub or narco-sub) is a type of custom ocean-going, self-propelled, semi-submersible or fully-submersible vessel built by (or for) drug smugglers.{{cite news|last=Schmidt|first=Michael S.|title=Smugglers Go Under the Sea To Move Drugs|newspaper=The New York Times|date=10 September 2012|author2=Thom Shanker|location=New York|page=A1}}{{cite news | first=David | last=Kushner | title=Drug-Sub Culture | date=April 23, 2009 | url =https://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/26/magazine/26drugs-t.html?_r=1 | newspaper =The New York Times| access-date = 2009-04-25 }}{{cite news | first=Frank | last= Bajak| title=Ecuadoreans, DEA seize drug-smuggling submarine | date=July 4, 2010 | url =https://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hWWaDpbp70jcVu-47SgbZRskY_jgD9GNVAI82 | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20100707071514/http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hWWaDpbp70jcVu-47SgbZRskY_jgD9GNVAI82 | url-status =dead | archive-date =July 7, 2010 | work =APF | access-date = 2010-07-04}}

Newer semi-submersibles are "nearly-fully" submersible in order to reduce likelihood of detection by visual, radar, sonar, or infrared systems. Cargo capacity varies widely with vessel size, although several tons is typical. In 2015, the largest-known cargo of {{convert|7.7|t|lb}} was seized on a semi-submersible craft.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jul/23/us-navy-seizes-submarine-with-seven-tonnes-of-cocaine-on-board|title=US navy seizes submarine with seven tonnes of cocaine on board|date=22 July 2015|publisher=Associated Press|access-date=29 April 2017|newspaper=The Guardian}} Some contemporary narco-subs are capable of crossing the Atlantic Ocean.{{cite journal |url=https://www.yahoo.com/news/why-seas-suddenly-swimming-drug-223400474.html |title=Why Our Seas Are Suddenly Swimming With Drug-Running Narcosubs

|first1=Kyle |last1=Mizokami |journal=Popular Mechanics |via=Yahoo! |date=March 4, 2020 |access-date=March 4, 2020}} Meanwhile, recently captured vessels in the central Pacific during the mid 2020’s indicate said vessels are increasingly durable enough for their operators to attempt voyages across the Pacific to Oceania.

History

During the Prohibition in the United States, bootleggers used low-profile riverboats to evade authorities.{{Cite web |title=H I Sutton - Covert Shores |url=http://www.hisutton.com/Prohibition_Smugglers_Sub.html |access-date=2024-02-14 |website=www.hisutton.com}}

In the 1980s, go-fast boats were the smuggling vessel of choice in many parts of the world. Go-fast boats became more vulnerable to radar detection as radar technology improved, leading to the development of semi-submersibles.{{cite news | first=William | last=Booth |author2=Juan Forero | title=Plying the Pacific, Subs Surface as Key Tool of Drug Cartels | date=June 6, 2009 | url =https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/06/05/AR2009060503718.html?hpid=topnews | newspaper =The Washington Post | access-date = 2010-02-23 }}

In 1988, an uncrewed {{convert|21|ft|adj=on|order=flip}} submarine was found off Boca Raton, Florida. It was designed to be towed by a boat and submerged by remote control. The sub was empty, but officials and authorities believe it was used for smuggling after it was realized the hatch could be opened only from the outside.{{cite news|title=Creative drug smugglers turn to submarines|url=http://www.upi.com/Archives/1988/11/11/Creative-drug-smugglers-turn-to-submarines/8252316907705/|access-date=3 May 2017|work=UPI Archives|agency=United Press International|date=11 November 1988|language=en}}

= 2000s =

In 2006 a "submarine" was seized {{cvt|166|km|nmi+mi|abbr=on}} southwest of Costa Rica.{{cite news | title=Submarine with cocaine seized off Costa Rica | date=November 20, 2006 | publisher=NBC News News | url =https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna15811689 | work =The Associated Press and Reuters | access-date = 2018-06-18 }} The U.S. Coast Guard dubbed it Bigfoot because they heard rumors of their existence, but had never seen any prior to this find. In 2006, the U.S. detected three vessels in total, and they estimated between twenty-five and forty semi-subs departed from South America in 2007.{{cite news|url=http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5iSuHZQFZonc7WY3SToohrX7Z0JnA|title=Narco subs pose new challenge for US coast guards|date=May 9, 2008|work=APF|access-date=2010-02-19|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081204094450/http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5iSuHZQFZonc7WY3SToohrX7Z0JnA|archive-date=December 4, 2008}}

In 2006, a {{Convert|10|metre|abbr=on}} sub was discovered on the north coast of Spain, but its use is unknown.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/low/europe/4792075.stm|title=Spanish police find 'drugs' sub|date=14 August 2006|work=BBC News|access-date=2010-02-23}}

In March 2006, according to a press release{{Citation needed|date=August 2023}}, the Calabrian criminal organization 'Ndrangheta ordered a shipment of nine tons of cocaine to be transported by a narco-submarine from Colombia to Italy, but according to a countering press release, the vessel was discovered by Colombian and Italian police during construction.{{cite news|url=http://www.cdnn.info/news/industry/i060330.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060510115552/http://www.cdnn.info/news/industry/i060330.html|archive-date=10 May 2006|title=Drug cops foil mafia plot to smuggle $870m of cocaine by submarine|last=Pisa |first=Nick|date=30 Mar 2006|publisher=Cyber Diver News Network}}

File:Drugsub-Coast Guard.jpg in international waters off Guatemala on September 17, 2008.]] During the first six months of 2008, the U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Navy detected forty-two subs off the coasts of Central America,{{cite news|url=http://onthescene.blogs.foxnews.com/2008/05/02/drug-subs/|title=Drug subs|last=Housley|first=Adam|date=May 2, 2008|work=Fox News|access-date=2010-02-23|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080503214602/http://onthescene.blogs.foxnews.com/2008/05/02/drug-subs/|archive-date=May 3, 2008}} but few seizures resulted. According to various press-releases, the projected eighty-five narco-submarine voyages by the end of 2008 could potentially bring about 544 tons of cocaine to U.S. customers.{{cite news|url=http://www.navytimes.com/news/2008/07/coastguard_drugsub_073008w/|title=Legislation targets drug-smuggling subs|last=McCullough|first=Amy|date=Jul 31, 2008|work=NavyTimes|access-date=2010-02-23}} In 2008, the Mexican Navy intercepted a {{convert|10|m|ft|abbr=on}} submarine in international waters about {{Convert|200|km|nmi+mi|abbr=on}} southwest of Oaxaca. Mexican Navy Special Forces fast-roped from a helicopter on to its deck and arrested four smugglers. According to one press-release, the vessel carried 5.3 tons of cocaine; it was towed to Huatulco, Oaxaca, by a Mexican Navy patrol boat.{{cite news|url=http://www.semar.gob.mx/sitio/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=813&Itemid=288|title=Más de Cinco Toneladas de Cocaína Traía El Minisubmarino Asegurado Por La Armada de México|date=July 18, 2008|access-date=2010-02-23|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110714210745/http://www.semar.gob.mx/sitio/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=813&Itemid=288|archive-date=July 14, 2011|publisher=Mexican Navy|language=es}}{{cite news|title=Mexico captures submarine loaded with drugs|date=July 17, 2008|agency=Reuters|publisher=Canada News}}{{cite news|url=http://vivirlatino.com/2008/07/17/the-narco-submarine.php|title=The Narco Submarine|last=La Mala|first=Maegan|date=July 17, 2008|access-date=2010-02-23|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090302005501/http://vivirlatino.com/2008/07/17/the-narco-submarine.php|archive-date=March 2, 2009|publisher=VivirLatino}}{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7515056.stm|title=Mexican navy seizes cocaine sub|date=18 July 2008|work=BBC News|access-date=2010-02-23}}{{cite news|url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/drug-cartels-using-submarines-to-smuggle-cocaine-1.309894|title=Drug cartels using submarines to smuggle cocaine|date=July 19, 2008|work=CTV News – Canada|access-date=2010-02-23}} Also in 2008, the U.S. Coast Guard captured a semi-submersible vessel in international waters about {{convert|563|km|nmi+mi|abbr=on}} west of Guatemala; it was carrying an even seven tons of cocaine.{{cite news|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2008/CRIME/09/14/drug.bust/|title=Coast Guard seizes $8.4 million worth of cocaine|date=September 14, 2008|work=CNN News|access-date=2008-09-15}}{{cite news|url=http://www2.tbo.com/content/2008/sep/15/coast-guard-nabs-drug-toting-semi-sub-tampa-based-/|title=Drug-Toting Semi-Sub Nabbed In Tampa-Based Probe|last=Silverstein |first=Elaine |date=September 13, 2008|work=The Tampa Tribune|access-date=2008-09-15}} The {{convert|18|m|ft|abbr=on}} steel/fiberglass vessel was detected by a U.S. Navy aircraft as part of Operation Panama Express, and was intercepted by Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment 402 aboard USS McInerney. Five days later, an {{convert|18|m|ft|abbr=on}} semi-submersible was seized in international waters by the USCGC Midgett about {{convert|322|km|nmi+mi|abbr=on}} south of Guatemala.{{cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/2008/CRIME/09/19/drug.subs/index.html|title=Cocaine smugglers turn to submarines, feds say|last=Meserve|first=Jeanne|date=September 19, 2008|work=CNN News|access-date=2008-09-20}}Videos and images of these two seizures are available at the U.S. Coast Guard web site: [http://www.piersystem.com/go/doc/786/228113/] Several other submarines were intercepted, but not seized because their crews scuttled them upon interception.{{cite news | title=Drug-trafficking trends | date=May 1, 2008 | url =http://www.economist.com/world/la/displaystory.cfm?story_id=11294435 | newspaper =The Economist | access-date = 2010-02-19 }}{{cite news | first=Luis Jaime | last=Acosta |author2=Hugh Bronstein | title=Another cocaine-laden submarine sinks off Colombia | date=January 3, 2008 | publisher=Reuters | url =https://www.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUSN0325244420080103 | access-date = 2010-02-19 }}

In 2009, the U.S. detected "as many as sixty" submarine related events, and calculated they were moving as much as a ton of cocaine daily.{{citation | url= http://www.justf.org/files/primarydocs/Testimony-Michel.pdf

| title= Written Statement of Rear Admiral Charles Michel, Director[,] Joint Interagency Task Force South (JIATF-SOUTH) before the Subcommittee on Border and Maritime Security [of the] House Committee on Homeland Security

| editor= Joint Interagency Task Force. USA Southern Command

| publisher= JUSTF.org

| place= Washington D.C.

| date= 19 June 2012

| access-date= 2012-06-20

| url-status= dead

| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131102075750/http://www.justf.org/files/primarydocs/Testimony-Michel.pdf

| archive-date= November 2, 2013

}} In the same year, three submarines were seized on the shores of the Pacific coast, loaded with 1.5 tons of cocaine.{{cite news|url=http://www.laht.com/article.asp?ArticleId=336366&CategoryId=12393|title=1.5 Tons of Cocaine Seized in Colombia|work=Latin American Herald Tribune|access-date=2010-02-23|archive-date=February 5, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190205193246/http://www.laht.com/article.asp?ArticleId=336366&CategoryId=12393|url-status=dead}} The Colombian Navy had intercepted or discovered thirty-three submarines by 2009.

= 2010s =

After the November 5 2010 arrest of Harold Mauricio Poveda,[http://www.semana.com/noticias-print-edition/the-mafia-rabbit/118097.aspx The mafia rabbit] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110119220811/http://www.semana.com/noticias-print-edition/the-mafia-rabbit/118097.aspx |date=January 19, 2011 }} (November 25, 2008) a key Mexican–Colombian link, enhanced interrogation revealed that the FARC (Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia) were behind the construction of submarines and were collaborating with the Sinaloa Cartel to fund their activities.[http://www.eluniversal.com.mx/notas/721409.html Detienen al Conejo, proveedor de El Barbas] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131101233356/http://www.eluniversal.com.mx/notas/721409.html |date=November 1, 2013 }} El Universal. November 5, 2010 (in Spanish){{cite news | title=Insurgent submersibles | date=16 June 2008 | url =http://www.janes.com/news/security/terrorism/jtsm/jtsm080616_1_n.shtml | work =Jane's Information Group | access-date = 2010-02-26 }}{{Citation| contribution=U.S. Southern Command 2009 Posture Statement| title=Report to the 111th Congress – 2009| editor-first=James| editor-last=Stavridis| publisher=U.S. Navy| year=2009| contribution-url=http://www.southcom.mil/AppsSC/files/0UI0I1237496303.pdf| access-date=2010-02-26| archive-date=December 29, 2010| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101229170856/http://www.southcom.mil/AppsSC/files/0UI0I1237496303.pdf| url-status=dead}}

In 2012, United States Coast Guard officials expressed concerns such vessels could potentially be used for terrorism.{{Cite web|url=https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2012/09/feds-cant-catch-cartels-cocaine-filled-submarines/323833/|title=The Feds Can't Catch the Cartels' Cocaine-Filled Submarines|last=Estes|first=Adam Clark|date=2012-09-09|website=The Atlantic|language=en-US|access-date=2020-02-06}}

File:U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Munro crew interdicts suspected drug smuggling vessel DOD 106999572-5d2aa0d64235b.webm crew intercepts suspected drug smuggling vessel, June 18, 2019]]

In 2015, the largest recorded seizure was after a cargo of {{convert|7.7|t|lb}} was seized on a semi-submersible by {{Ship|USCGC|Stratton|WMSL-752|6}}.{{cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/2015/08/06/us/12000-pounds-of-cocaine-seized/|title=Coast Guard seizes $181 million in cocaine on sub|last=Almasy|first=Steve|date=7 August 2015|publisher=CNN News|access-date=2015-08-10}}

In 2016, the U.S. Coast Guard seized a semi-submersible in international waters about 300 miles west of Panama, carrying about 6 tons of cocaine with a street value of about $200 million to U.S. customers.[https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-35915232 US Coast Guard intercepts vessel carrying cocaine worth $200m]. BBC News, 29 March 2016.

In 2017, the U.S. Coast Guard detained a semi-submersible off the coast of Texas carrying {{convert|3800|lb|t|order=flip}} of cocaine,[https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2017/12/11/u-s-coast-guard-intercepts-semi-submersible-vessel-packed-3-800-pounds-cocaine/939668001/ U.S. Coast Guard intercepts semi-submersible vessel packed with 3,800 pounds of cocaine]. USA Today. 11 December 2017. and on 13 November the US Coast Guard located and seized another one off the coast of Panama.[http://www.news.com.au/world/narco-subs-texas-mobilises-to-stem-invasion-of-narcotic-carrying-submarines/news-story/13bb3ac53db4fa18bd91fca74cf38e1a Narco subs: Texas mobilises to stem invasion of narcotic carrying submarines]. Jamie Seidel, News Com Australia. 22 December 2017.

File:Narcosubmarino en Aldán, Cangas 2.jpg).]]

In 2019, Spanish authorities apprehended a 20 m semi-submersible off Galicia, containing 3,000 kg of cocaine, in the first known incident of a narco-submarine crossing the Atlantic Ocean.{{Cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/nov/27/police-in-spain-find-three-tonnes-of-cocaine-in-narco-submarine|title=Cocaine seized from 'narco-submarine' in Spain was likely headed for UK|first=Sam|last=Jones|date=November 27, 2019|via=www.theguardian.com |newspaper=The Guardian}}{{cite news |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/inside-the-first-narco-submarine-caught-after-crossing-the-atlantic-11603033200 |newspaper=The Wall Street Journal |title=Inside the First 'Narco-Submarine' Caught After Crossing the Atlantic |date=October 18, 2020 |first1=James |last1=Marson |first2=Xavier |last2=Fontdegloria |first3=Maria |last3=Martinez |archive-url=https://archive.today/20201018151938/https://www.wsj.com/articles/inside-the-first-narco-submarine-caught-after-crossing-the-atlantic-11603033200 |archive-date=October 18, 2020 |access-date=October 26, 2020 |url-status=live }}

A narco-submarine was captured by the Peruvian Navy on 8 December 2019 carrying over 2,000 kg of cocaine off of the coast of the Department of Piura.{{cite news|url=https://www.infobae.com/america/america-latina/2019/12/08/interceptaron-en-peru-un-narcosubmarino-cargado-con-dos-toneladas-de-droga/|title=Interceptaron en Perú un narcosubmarino cargado con dos toneladas de droga|date=8 December 2019|work=Infobae|access-date=3 February 2020|language=es-ES}}

=2020s=

According to a press-release, on November 5, 2020, a submarine was seized in Colombia.{{Cite web|date=2020-11-16|title=Rare Electric Narco Submarine Seized in Colombia|url=https://news.usni.org/2020/11/16/rare-electric-narco-submarine-seized-in-colombia|access-date=2020-12-29|website=USNI News|language=en-US}} A further interception was made in October 2021 by the Ecuadorian naval training ship Guayas in the Pacific Ocean.{{cite news |last1=Lendon |first1=Brad |title=Sailing ship captures a narco sub |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2021/10/25/americas/ecuador-sailing-ship-narco-sub-intl-hnk/index.html |access-date=26 October 2021 |publisher=CNN |date=26 October 2021}}

The drug trafficker Laureano Oubiña affirmed the existence of a marine cemetery of narco-submarines near the Canary Islands (Spain).[https://www.larazon.es/espana/20210119/hfk2pg2opbgmvpv3nztpsmlhu4.html Oubiña confirma la existencia de un “cementerio “ de narcosubmarinos en aguas de Canarias] La Razón (19-01-2021)

A {{Convert|22|m|ft}} long semi-submersible made of vinyl carbon fiber, christened by its builders Poseidón was found sunk without cargo by the Guardia Civil in the Ria of Arousa in March 2023.{{Cite web |last= |date=2023-03-14 |title=El 'narcosubmarino' hallado vacío en Arousa llega a tierra para continuar con la investigación |url=https://www.20minutos.es/noticia/5109687/0/el-narcosubmarino-hallado-en-arousa-se-encuentra-vacio-y-sera-trasladado-a-tierra-para-continuar-la-investigacion/ |access-date=2024-02-06 |website=www.20minutos.es - Últimas Noticias |language=es}} The vessel had a central hold with a load capacity of five tons, a forward ballast tank and a diesel engine at stern.{{Cite web |last= |date=2023-03-15 |title=De fibra de vinilo, con un motor aislado y capacidad para cinco toneladas de cocaína: así es el 'narcosubmarino' de Arousa |url=https://www.20minutos.es/noticia/5109864/0/de-fibra-de-vinilo-con-un-motor-aislado-y-capacidad-para-cinco-toneladas-de-cocaina-asi-es-el-narcosubmarino-de-arousa/ |access-date=2024-02-06 |website=www.20minutos.es - Últimas Noticias |language=es}}

In 2024, the Colombian Navy captured a semi-submersible carrying 5 tonnes of cocaine 1,200 miles southwest of Clipperton Island in the Eastern Pacific in a 62 country operation. Having been captured over 3,000 miles from the Colombian Coast, the incident has been cited as proof that drug cartels are now willing to use narco-submersibles for direct drug smuggling to Australia and New Zealand over the 4,000-mile route in place of hiding smaller amounts of narcotics in commercial shipping. {{Cite web |last= |date=2023-11-27 |title= Colombia-led operation seizes world record 225 tonnes of cocaine, and uncovers new Australia trafficking route |url= https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/nov/27/colombia-drug-bust-narco-submarine-australia |access-date=2025-04-19 |website=The Guardian |language=en}}

Vessel types

= Semi-submersible =

File:Semi-Submersible – Division- West – Seed- 12 (25584606310).jpg in July 2015.]]

Colombia's Pacific coastline possesses thick jungles and waterways, which can be used as clandestine shipyards.{{cite news | first=Chris | last=Kraul | title=Drug traffickers use submersibles to ferry narcotics | date=November 6, 2007 | work=Los Angeles Times | url =https://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-narcosub6nov06,0,6804696.story | access-date = 2010-02-19 }} A Colombian Navy commander stated that it is most striking to notice the logistical capacity required in order to transport all the required materials into the jungle, including heavy equipment such as propulsion gear and generators.{{Citation| contribution=Self-Propelled Semi-Submersible (SPSS)| title=Self-Propelled Semi-Submersible (SPSS) - Fact Sheet| publisher=Joint Interagency Task Force South| place=USA| year=2008| contribution-url=http://media.mcclatchydc.com/smedia/2008/07/18/17/Hall-SPSS-factsheet.source.prod_affiliate.91.pdf| access-date=2010-02-19| archive-date=November 17, 2020| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201117060115/http://media.mcclatchydc.com/smedia/2008/07/18/17/Hall-SPSS-factsheet.source.prod_affiliate.91.pdf| url-status=dead}} Some vessels are built in pieces and then reassembled in other locations under the jungle canopy, in camps outfitted with sleeping quarters for workers. The narco-submarines can cost about $2 million USD and take upward of a year to build. Despite the costs, some of the craft are intended for one-time use, being abandoned at sea after a successful delivery, given that their cargoes carry a street value of up to $400 million. On other seized craft however, officials found zinc bars used as sacrificial anodes, reducing corrosion on metal parts exposed to seawater.{{Citation| contribution=Inside | title=Inside Cocaine Submarines| publisher=National Geographic Channel| place=USA| year=2009| contribution-url=http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/channel/series/inside/4291/Overview#tab-Overview}} As corrosion would not be a concern on a single trip, but would affect long-term durability, this is an indication that the vessel was intended to be used for multiple voyages.

The design and manufacturing techniques employed in their construction have improved over time: the boats have become faster, more seaworthy, and of higher cargo capacity. An {{cvt|18|m}} long narco-submarine can reach speeds of {{convert|18|km/h|kn|abbr=in}} and carry up to 10 tons of cocaine. They are typically made of fiberglass, powered by a 225–260 kW diesel engine and crewed by a complement of four. They have enough cargo space to carry two to ten tons of cocaine, carry large fuel tanks which give them a range of {{convert|3200|km|nmi|abbr=in}}, and are equipped with satellite navigation systems and long-range HF-SSB radio communications capabilities. There is no head (toilet), and accommodation is cramped.

As much of its structure is fiberglass and it travels just under the surface, the vessel is nearly impossible to detect via sonar or radar, and very difficult to spot visually. The newer models pipe their exhaust along the bottom of the hull to cool it before being exhausted, making the boat even less susceptible to infrared detection. They are most easily spotted from the air, though even that is difficult as they are camouflaged with blue paint and produce almost no wake. They have ballast tanks to alter the vessel's buoyancy so that they ride low in the water.{{Citation needed|date=January 2025}}

==Typical characteristics==

These are the typical characteristics for semi-submersibles as stated by the U.S. Joint Interagency Task Force South:

Hull material: wood, fiberglass, or steel
Length 12–24 m
Freeboard 0.5 m
Engines: single or twin diesel
Fuel capacity: 5.6 cubic metres
Range: 3200 kilometers
Speed: 11 km/h or more
Crew: 4
Capacity 4–12 metric tons
Control: human or remote

= True submarines =

File:Narco submarine seized in Ecuador 2010-07-02 1.jpg

Narco-submarines were considered by officials to be an oddity until 2000, when Colombian Anti-Narcotics Police discovered what was reported to be a half-built 36 m-long[https://elpais.com/diario/2000/09/11/ultima/968623201_850215.html El 'narcosubmarino' Colombiano]. El Pais. 11 September 2000. true submarine in a warehouse outside Bogotá.{{cite news | title=Drug submarine found in Colombia | date=7 September 2000 | publisher=BBC News | url =http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/915059.stm | access-date = 2009-11-30 }} The double-hulled steel vessel could have traveled 3,700 kilometers, dived 100 m, and could have carried about 15 tonnes of cocaine.

On 3 July 2010 the Ecuadorian authorities seized a fully functional, completely submersible diesel-electric submarine in the jungles bordering Ecuador and Colombia. It had a cylindrical fiberglass and kevlar hull {{Convert|31|metre|abbr=on}} long, a {{Convert|3|metre|abbr=on}} conning tower with periscope, and air conditioning. The vessel had the capacity for about 10 tonnes of cargo, a crew of five or six people, the ability to fully submerge down to {{Convert|20|metre|abbr=on}}, and the capacity for long-range underwater operation. Ecuadorean authorities seized the vessel before its maiden voyage.{{cite news | title = Ecuador authorities seize drug-smuggling sub | date = July 3, 2010 | url = http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/americas/07/03/ecuador.drug.submarine/index.html | work = CNN News | access-date = 2010-07-04}}{{cite news | title = DEA Intel Aids In Seizure of {{Sic|hide=y|Fully|-}}Operational Narco Submarine In Ecuador | date = July 3, 2010 | publisher = DEA Public Affairs | url = http://www.justice.gov/dea/pubs/pressrel/pr070310.html | work = USA Drug Enforcement Administration | access-date = July 6, 2010 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100709192546/http://www.justice.gov/dea/pubs/pressrel/pr070310.html | archive-date = July 9, 2010 | url-status = dead }}{{cite news |title=First true submarine captured from American drug smugglers |author=Lewis Page |url=https://www.theregister.co.uk/2010/07/06/true_sub_captured_from_drug_smugglers/ |newspaper=The Register |date=6 July 2010 |access-date=25 January 2011}}

On 14 February 2011 another submarine was seized by the Colombian Navy. The 31 m-long fiberglass and Kevlar vessel was found hidden in a jungle area in Timbiquí, in south-western Colombia. It was capable of travelling {{Convert|9|metre|abbr=on}} below water and it could carry four people and up to 8 tonnes of cargo.{{cite news | title = Sophisticated drug submarine seized in Colombia | date = 14 February 2011 | url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-12461089 | publisher=BBC News | access-date = 2011-02-15}}

= Torpedo =

In August 2005, authorities discovered an uncrewed semi-submersible in the Pacific Ocean,{{cite web|url=http://smallwarsjournal.com/jrnl/art/narco-submarines-applying-advanced-technologies-to-drug-smuggling|title=Narco-Submarines: Applying Advanced Technologies to Drug Smuggling - Small Wars Journal|access-date=29 April 2017}} a "torpedo-style cargo container" (instead of a full-featured self-propelled ship). These versions use a ballast tank (submersion control) to keep them at about {{Convert|30|metre|abbr=on}} under water while towed by a fishing vessel.{{cite web |url=http://unterseeboot.tumblr.com/post/245559770 |title=Video documentary: Narco Submarine Technology |access-date=2010-03-08 |date=November 15, 2009 |language=es, en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110717112733/http://unterseeboot.tumblr.com/post/245559770 |archive-date=2011-07-17 |url-status=dead }} If a patrol ship is spotted, the "torpedo" cargo container is released. While submerged, it automatically releases a buoy disguised as a wooden log so it would be mistaken for marine debris. This log-buoy is equipped with a location transmitter system so the torpedo can be retrieved, either by the original vessel, or another vessel to retrieve it to continue the delivery. Such a log-buoy was designed to be used as a last resort; risks are involved with the deployment of said buoy:

authorities could investigate the sudden appearance of 'marine debris'.
authorities could notice signals from the buoy's transmission systems, then attempt to locate such signal(s). Therefore, crews in the towing boat operate under the guise of a fishing vessel to avoid suspicion, and avoiding the risks of deploying the log-buoy.

The buoy contains a mechanism to temporarily raise then lower its antenna to transmit its coordinates in encrypted form at irregular intervals. Encrypted codes are used in case of signal interception. Such an encryption could, at a minimum, delay authorities in their attempt to reach the cargo, allowing the traffickers to reach it first. This system evolved from existing buoys used on fishing nets. The buoy designers claim a near 100% shipment delivery success, and state the "torpedo" development is evolving into remote-control using encrypted signals transmitted via satellite.

Operations

File:Submarino requisado 01 by-dpc.jpg of Spain at the National Police School in Ávila.]]

= Operators =

Clan del Golfo{{Cite web|url=https://www.insightcrime.org/news/analysis/colombia-narco-submarines-europe/|title=Legend of Colombia's Narco-Subs Reaching Europe Becomes Reality|last=Dalby|first=Chris|date=2019-11-29|website=InSight Crime|language=en-US|access-date=2020-02-06}}
National Liberation Army (ELN)
Oliver Sinisterra Front
Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC)
Sinaloa Cartel

= Routes =

Similar to most coastlines,{{Vague|date=January 2025}} the western Colombian shore is ideal for smuggling. Of the two tons of cocaine coming out of Colombia daily, about a third leave via the Pacific coast in semi-submersibles.{{cite news|url=http://www.strategypage.com/htmw/htsub/articles/20080707.aspx|title=The War In The Pacific|date=July 7, 2008|work=Strategy Page|access-date=2010-02-19}} Homeland Security estimate submarines carry one-third of smuggled maritime goods to United States customers, while claiming they "are clueless" about the rest.{{cite news|url=http://www.mcclatchydc.com/255/story/44739.html|title=At $2 million each, subs become the drug transport of choice|last=Hall|first=Kevin G.|date=July 18, 2008|access-date=2010-02-19|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090504083450/http://www.mcclatchydc.com/255/story/44739.html|archive-date=May 4, 2009|publisher=McClatchy Newspapers}}

Elsewhere, the U.S. Coast Guard say smugglers are evolving complete logistics: fishing vessels along the way warn the crews against patrols and provide them with refreshments, while offshore refueling vessels provide unlimited loiter time so smugglers can avoid coastal areas.{{cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/2008/CRIME/03/20/drug.subs/index.html|title=Coast Guard hunts drug-running semi-subs|last=Meserve|first=Jeanne|date=March 20, 2008|access-date=2010-02-23|publisher=CNN News|author2=Mike M. Ahlers}}

For smugglers, the trips are worth the investment—a nine-ton load earns nearly US$200 million wholesale from U.S. customers. Professional fishermen are often at the controls and earn about US$3,000 after completing the excursion.

Submarine smugglers unload their cargo onto fast-boats for the final leg to shore. According to press-releases, none of the submarines are known to unload at North American ports or beaches.{{Citation needed|date=January 2025}}

Drug mules of the Chipitos branch of the Sinaloa Cartel reportedly hate submarine duty.{{cite news|url=https://sofmag.com/drug-mules-submarines/ |title=Drug Mules Hate Submarines |website=sofmag.com |date=2024-03-15 |access-date=2024-03-16}}

Countermeasures

File:Narco sub2.jpg (August 2007).]]

= Surveillance =

In 2007, the U.S. Coast Guard adjusted their underwater acoustic sensors to listen for submarines.{{cite news|url=http://blogs.abcnews.com/theblotter/2007/12/run-silent-run.html|title=Run Silent, Run Drugs: The Cocaine Sub Fleet|date=December 20, 2007|access-date=2010-02-23|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090524030441/http://blogs.abcnews.com/theblotter/2007/12/run-silent-run.html|archive-date=May 24, 2009|publisher=ABC News}} According to a 2019 press-release, the U.S. Coast Guard reports they capture only 11% of submarines on the East Pacific route. The same source acknowledged that the U.S. Coast Guard was overstretched at the time.{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnn.com/2019/07/11/us/cocaine-coast-guard-trnd/index.html|title=Watch the US Coast Guard board a narco-sub carrying 17,000 pounds of cocaine|date=12 July 2019|website=CNN|access-date=2020-02-06}}

= Legal =

If various militaries attempt to seize the semi-submersibles in international waters, the crews usually scuttle them. Until 2008, in accordance with international maritime law, the crew was rescued, and, if there was no evidence of wrongdoing, released. To address this loophole, the US Drug Trafficking Vessel Interdiction Act in September 2008 made it a "felony for those who knowingly or intentionally operate or embark in a self-propelled semi-submersible (SPSS) without nationality and that is or ever navigated in international waters, with the intent to evade detection". The penalty is a prison term of up to twenty years in the U.S.{{cite news | author=U.S. Congress | title=S. 3351: Drug Trafficking Interdiction Assistance Act of 2008 | date=Jul 28, 2008 | url =http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=s110-3351 | work =GovTrack | access-date = 2010-02-23 }}{{cite news | first=Azadeh | last= Ansari| title=Smugglers sink 'drug subs,' but not feds' case | date=January 14, 2009 | url=https://www.cnn.com/2009/CRIME/01/14/drug.subs/index.html | work =CNN News | access-date = 2010-02-23 }}

The U.S. law does not apply to flagged vessels (i.e., registered with some officially recognized government). The bill grants extraterritorial jurisdiction over international waters and makes it illegal to lack relevant documents. Instead of an anti-narcotics operation turning into a rescue mission after submarines are sunk, the crew can be detained and interrogated using exigent methods.{{cite news | first=Jereny | last=McDermott | title=Colombia out to sink cocaine barons by banning 'drug subs' | date=June 20, 2009 | url=http://thescotsman.scotsman.com/world/Colombia-out-to-sink-cocaine.5385360.jp | work=The Scottsman | access-date=2009-06-20 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090623074555/http://thescotsman.scotsman.com/world/Colombia-out-to-sink-cocaine.5385360.jp | archive-date=June 23, 2009 }}

In 2009, Congress of Colombia passed a law punishing builders of semi-submersible vessels with up to 12 years in prison, or 14 years if they are used to transport drugs.

Security issues related to "torpedo-style cargo containers", semi-submersible vessels, and submarines were reviewed in an August 2012 article in the U.S. publication Homeland Security Affairs.{{cite news |first=Terrance G. |last=Lichtenwald |author2=Steinhour, Mara H. |author3= Perri, Frank S. |title=A maritime threat assessment of sea based criminal organizations and terrorist operations |date=August 2012 | publisher=Homeland Security Affairs | url=https://www.hsaj.org/articles/227 | access-date = 2021-03-15}}

References

External links

[https://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/26/magazine/26drugs-t.html?pagewanted=2&_r=1 Drug Submarines' Culture]
[https://web.archive.org/web/20110717011652/http://www.thelog.com/news/logNewsArticle.aspx?x=9392 Does 'Smuggler's Corridor' Now Extend to South America?]
[https://www.wired.com/magazine/2011/03/ff_drugsub/ Authorities in Awe of Drug Runners' Jungle-Built, Kevlar-Coated Supersubs]
[http://www.elpais.com.co/elpais/archivos/narco-submarinos.jpg Anatomy of a narco-submarine, El Pais (In Spanish)]

;Videos:

[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KdI1y4sdPZE Colombian traffickers moving drugs in submarines]
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=snOEj5T81Tk US Coast Guard intercepts drug running submarine]
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h0JVJXyT9cw Rep Poe Worried About Drug Running Submarines]

;Photo gallery:

[http://www.hisutton.com/Narco%20Subs%20101.html Comprehensive photo gallery and history of narco subs] by H. I. Sutton.
[https://web.archive.org/web/20080610043817/http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/popup?id=3985733 Drug cartels; secret weapon]

Category:Merchant submarines

Category:Illegal drug trade techniques

Category:Illegal drug trade in the Americas