Combating narco-subs and trafficking has been a significant challenge for authorities in the U.S. and around the world. Recently, the Mexican Navy made a notable interception off the Pacific coast, seizing 3.6 tons (about 8,000 pounds) of cocaine from a “narco sub” approximately 153 miles off Acapulco.
The intercepted boat, resembling a “go-fast boat,” was powered by two outboard motors and designed as a low-profile, semi-submersible craft to evade detection. A total of 102 packages filled with bricks of cocaine were found on board, leading to the detention of nine crew members, including six foreigners. While the nationalities of the crew were not disclosed, it is common to find Colombian or Venezuelan members on such vessels.
The transportation of cocaine from South America to the U.S. market is typically carried out through the Pacific or Caribbean regions. This interception is part of ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking, with the Mexican navy having seized a record-breaking 8.3 tons of drugs in previous operations at sea. In total, more than 15,000 kilograms of illicit substances have been confiscated under the current administration.
The use of semi-submersibles by drug traffickers poses a significant challenge to law enforcement agencies due to their ability to avoid detection. These vessels, which cannot fully submerge, are often intercepted in Colombian waters en route to various destinations, including the United States, Central America, and Europe. Earlier this year, the Colombian Navy seized two “narco subs” containing nearly 5 tons of cocaine off the country’s Pacific coast.
In addition to the recent interception off the Pacific coast, the U.S. Coast Guard has also been active in combating drug trafficking, with over $54 million worth of cocaine offloaded, including drugs seized from a “narco sub.” These coordinated efforts between international agencies are crucial in disrupting the operations of drug cartels and preventing illicit substances from reaching their intended destinations.
