Narco-submarine

{{short description|Submersible used by drug smugglers}} {{Use American English|date=March 2021}} {{Use mdy dates|date=March 2021}}

[[File:Peru Narco-submarine.jpg|thumb|upright=1.35|A narco-submarine captured by the Peruvian Navy in December 2019<ref name="PERUsub">{{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}}</ref>]]

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.<ref name=SCHMIDT>{{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}}</ref><ref name=Tamil >{{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 }}</ref><ref name=APF >{{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}}</ref>

Newer semi-submersibles are almost fully submersible in order to reduce the likelihood of detection by visual, radar, sonar, or infrared systems.<ref name=Tamil/> 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.<ref name="Guardian2015">{{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}}</ref> Some contemporary narco-subs are capable of crossing the Atlantic Ocean.<ref name="Popular">{{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}}</ref> Meanwhile, recently captured vessels in the central Pacific during the mid 2020s 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.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

In the 1980s, go-fast boats were the smuggling vessel of choice in many parts of the world.<ref name="SCHMIDT" /> Go-fast boats became more vulnerable to radar detection as radar technology improved, leading to the development of semi-submersibles.<ref name="since1993">{{cite news | author1=William 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 }}</ref>

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.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

=== 2000s === In 2006 a "submarine" was seized {{cvt|166|km|nmi+mi|abbr=on}} southwest of Costa Rica.<ref>{{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 }}</ref> The U.S. Coast Guard dubbed it ''Bigfoot'' because they heard rumors of their existence, but had never seen any prior to this find.<ref name="Tamil" /> In 2006, the U.S. detected three vessels in total,<ref name=":0" /> and they estimated between twenty-five and forty semi-subs departed from South America in 2007.<ref name="APF2">{{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}}</ref>

In 2006, a {{Convert|10|metre|abbr=on}} sub was discovered on the north coast of Spain. While its use is unconfirmed, it is speculated to have been built by, or for, narco-traffickers.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/4792075.stm|title=Spanish police find 'drugs' sub|date=14 August 2006|work=BBC News|access-date=2010-02-23}}</ref>

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.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

[[File:Drugsub-Coast Guard.jpg|thumb|right|A submarine was seized by the U.S. Coast Guard 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,<ref>{{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}}</ref> 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.<ref name="NavyTimes">{{cite news|url=http://www.navytimes.com/news/2008/07/coastguard_drugsub_073008w/|title=Legislation targets drug-smuggling subs|last=McCullough|first=Amy|date=July 31, 2008|work=NavyTimes|access-date=2010-02-23}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Mexico captures submarine loaded with drugs|date=July 17, 2008|agency=Reuters|publisher=Canada News}}</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://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}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/drug-cartels-using-submarines-to-smuggle-cocaine-1.309894|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121017104411/http://www.ctvnews.ca/drug-cartels-using-submarines-to-smuggle-cocaine-1.309894|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 17, 2012|title=Drug cartels using submarines to smuggle cocaine|date=July 19, 2008|work=CTV News – Canada|access-date=2010-02-23}}</ref> 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 7.0 tons of cocaine.<ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>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/]</ref> Several other submarines were intercepted, but not seized because their crews scuttled them upon interception.<ref name=":0">{{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 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | author1=Luis Jaime 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 }}</ref>

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.<ref name="JUSTF">{{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 }}</ref> In the same year, three submarines were seized on the shores of the Pacific coast, loaded with 1.5 tons of cocaine.<ref>{{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}}</ref> The Colombian Navy had intercepted or discovered thirty-three submarines by 2009.<ref name="since1993" />

=== 2010s === After the November 5, 2010 arrest of Harold Mauricio Poveda,<ref>[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)</ref> 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.<ref name=":1">[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)</ref><ref name=":2">{{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 }}</ref><ref name="Southern Command">{{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}}</ref>

In 2012, United States Coast Guard officials expressed concerns such vessels could potentially be used for terrorism.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

[[File:U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Munro crew interdicts suspected drug smuggling vessel DOD 106999572-5d2aa0d64235b.webm|thumb|USCGC ''Munro'' 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}}.<ref name="Guardian2015" /><ref>{{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}}</ref>

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.<ref>[https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-35915232 US Coast Guard intercepts vessel carrying cocaine worth $200m]. BBC News, 29 March 2016.</ref>

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,<ref>[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.</ref> and on 13 November the US Coast Guard located and seized another one off the coast of Panama.<ref>[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.</ref>

[[File:Narcosubmarino en Aldán, Cangas 2.jpg|right|thumb|Narco-submarine apprehended in Aldán (Galicia).]]

In 2019, Spanish authorities apprehended a 20 m semi-submersible off Galicia, containing {{convert|3|MT|lb}} of cocaine, in the first known incident of a narco-submarine crossing the Atlantic Ocean.<ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>{{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 }}</ref>

A narco-submarine was captured by the Peruvian Navy on 8 December 2019 carrying over {{convert|2|MT|lb}} of cocaine off of the coast of the Department of Piura.<ref name="PERUsub" /><ref>{{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}}</ref>

===2020s=== According to a press-release, on November 5, 2020, a submarine was seized in Colombia.<ref>{{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}}</ref> A further interception was made in October 2021 by the Ecuadorian naval training ship ''Guayas'' in the Pacific Ocean.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

The drug trafficker Laureano Oubiña affirmed the existence of a marine cemetery of narco-submarines near the Canary Islands (Spain).<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-01-19 |title=Oubiña confirma la existencia de un "cementerio " de narcosubmarinos en aguas de Canarias |url=https://www.larazon.es/espana/20210119/hfk2pg2opbgmvpv3nztpsmlhu4.html |access-date=2025-10-03 |website=La Razón |language=es}}</ref>

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 Ría de Arousa in March 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |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=20minutos |language=es}}</ref> The vessel had a central hold with a load capacity of five tons, a forward ballast tank and a diesel engine at stern.<ref>{{Cite web |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=20minutos |language=es}}</ref>

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, long-distance drug smuggling to Australia and New Zealand via a new route exceeding 4,000 miles rather than conventionally hiding smaller amounts of narcotics in commercial shipping.<ref>{{Cite web |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}}</ref>

Over the next year, at least three narco-submarines were discovered in the Solomon Islands alongside another in Tonga after being abandoned by their operators; which has generated concern as the current set of local laws, lack of coast guard coordination, and inexperience within national law enforcement agencies have left Oceanian island nations unprepared to counter the illicit trade.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2025-10-08 |title= Third narco sub found in Solomon Islands, as cocaine and meth trafficking comes to the Pacific |url= https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-10-09/narco-sub-cocaine-meth-solomon-islands-pacific/105865658 |access-date=2025-10-17 |website=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2025-08-20 |title= Narco-sub threat: Expert warns drug cartels using 'new trend' to target the Pacific |url= https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/pacific/570528/narco-sub-threat-expert-warns-drug-cartels-using-new-trend-to-target-the-pacific |access-date=2025-10-18 |website=Radio New Zealand |language=en}}</ref> Besides Oceania, narco-submarines have also begun appearing in West African countries like Sierra Leone due to public institutions being more vulnerable to state capture than European counterparts while their locations are ideal relay points to transfer narcotics more easily to European markets via drug mules or hidden amidst local export containers.<ref> {{Cite web |date=2025-02-07 |title= President Bio keeps cocaine lord in the family |url= https://www.africa-confidential.com/special-report/id/49/president-bio-keeps-cocaine-lord-in-the-family |access-date=2025-10-18 |website=Africa Confidential |language=en}}</ref>

In 2025, the United States military destroyed a semi-submersible during the 2025 United States strikes on Venezuelan boats and the 2025 United States naval deployment in the Caribbean. It was confirmed that there were some survivors of the attack that were later captured by the U.S.<ref>{{Cite news |date=October 17, 2025 |title=US has seized survivors of attack on alleged narco-sub in Caribbean |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/oct/17/survivors-caribbean-boat-strike-us-military-custody# |access-date=October 17, 2025 |work=The Guardian}}</ref>

In January 2026, Australian and Fijian police managed to capture a narco-submarine shipment of over 2 tonnes of cocaine in Tavua, Fiji. Four Ecuadorian nationals and two locals were also arrested amidst a ship-to-shore transfer from a boat after scuttling the submarine.<ref>{{Cite news |date=January 19, 2026 |title= Australian media report narco-submarine used in Vatia drug smuggling |url= https://www.fijitimes.com.fj/australian-media-report-narco-submarine-used-in-vatia-drug-smuggling/ |access-date=January 21, 2026 |work=Fiji Times}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=April 25, 2026 |title= Australia’s lucrative drug market is fuelling a wave of narco subs crossing the Pacific |url= https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-04-26/narco-subs-crossing-the-pacific-to-australia/106588936 |access-date=May 22, 2026 |work=ABC News (Australia)}}</ref>

In March 2026, as a part of the Ecuadorian conflict (2024–present), Ecuador sank a Narco-submarine located in a mangrove swamp in the Cayapas–Mataje nature reserve near the Northern border, with a drug smuggling camp located nearby.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Buschschlüter |first=Vanessa |last2=Fletcher |first2=Pascal |date=March 5, 2026 |title=Ecuadorean troops find 35m-long 'narco-sub' hidden in nature reserve |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cd6zz65vg0qo |url-status=live |access-date=March 8, 2026 |work=The BBC}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Breen |first=Kerry |date=March 5, 2026 |title=Ecuador sinks "narco sub" as nation joins forces with U.S. to target organized crime |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/narco-sub-sunk-ecuador-us-operations-organized-crime/ |url-status=live |access-date=March 8, 2026 |work=CBS News}}</ref>

=== Crewed ===

==== Semi-submersible ==== {{Tone|date=March 2021|section}} [[File:Semi-Submersible – Division- West – Seed- 12 (25584606310).jpg|thumb|right|Semi-submersible vessel captured by USCGC ''Stratton'' in July 2015.]]

Colombia's Pacific coastline possesses thick jungles and waterways, which can be used as clandestine shipyards.<ref>{{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 }}</ref> 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.<ref name="jitfs">{{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}}</ref> 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.<ref name="jitfs" /> 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.<ref name="SCHMIDT" /><ref name="JUSTF" /> On other seized craft however, officials found zinc bars used as sacrificial anodes, reducing corrosion on metal parts exposed to seawater.<ref name="inside">{{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}}</ref> 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.<ref name=SCHMIDT /> 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.<ref name=SCHMIDT /> They are typically made of fiberglass, powered by a 225–260&nbsp;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}},<ref name=SCHMIDT /> 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.<ref name=Tamil /> 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:<ref name=jitfs/> *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&nbsp;km/h or more *Crew: 4 *Capacity 4–12 metric tons *Control: human or remote

==== True submarines ==== thumb|A true submarine seized in Ecuador in July 2010 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&nbsp;m-long<ref name="100 meters">[https://elpais.com/diario/2000/09/11/ultima/968623201_850215.html El 'narcosubmarino' Colombiano]. ''El Pais''. 11 September 2000.</ref> true submarine in a warehouse outside Bogotá.<ref name=Tamil/><ref>{{cite news | title=Drug submarine found in Colombia | date=7 September 2000 | publisher=BBC News | url =https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/915059.stm | access-date = 2009-11-30 }}</ref> The double-hulled steel vessel could have traveled 3,700&nbsp;kilometers, dived 100&nbsp;m,<ref name="100 meters"/> and could have carried about 15 tonnes of cocaine.<ref name="100 meters"/>

On July 3, 2010 the Ecuadorian authorities seized a fully functional, completely submersible diesel-electric submarine in the jungles bordering Ecuador and Colombia.<ref name=APF/> 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.<ref name=APF/> Ecuadorean authorities seized the vessel before its maiden voyage.<ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>{{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 }}</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref>

On February 14, 2011 another submarine was seized by the Colombian Navy. The 31&nbsp;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.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

=== Uncrewed === In 2022, Spanish police seized three unmanned underwater vehicles used to smuggle drugs across the Strait of Gibraltar from Morocco, the first known interception of such devices. The drones, carrying up to 200 kg of narcotics each, were linked to French cartels. The operation led to eight arrests and exposed a gang using advanced drones and modified vehicles for trafficking across Europe (BBC, 2022).<ref>{{cite news |date=4 July 2022 |title=Drug smuggling: Underwater drones seized by Spanish police |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-62040790 |work=BBC News}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Jones |first=Sam |date=2022-07-04 |title=Spanish police seize underwater drones designed to carry drugs |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/jul/04/spanish-police-seize-underwater-drones-designed-to-carry-drugs |access-date=2025-10-03 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=AFP |first1=Agence France-Presse- |title=Spanish police bust first underwater drug smuggling drones |url=https://www.dailysabah.com/world/europe/spanish-police-bust-first-underwater-drug-smuggling-drones |work=Daily Sabah |date=5 July 2022}}</ref>

=== Whale-shaped mini-submarines === In 2025, international drug cartels began using sophisticated whale-shaped mini submarines to smuggle cocaine into Australia via Cyprus. These vessels are transported on cargo ships, dropped in international waters, then retrieved by smaller boats to deliver drugs ashore, posing a significant challenge to law enforcement detection efforts.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Herald |first1=The Greek |title=Drug cartels use mini whale submarines to smuggle cocaine into Australia via Cyprus |url=https://greekherald.com.au/news/drug-cartels-use-mini-whale-submarines-to-smuggle-cocaine-into-australia-via-cyprus/ |work=The Greek Herald |date=6 January 2025 |language=en-AU}}</ref>

== Operations == [[File:Submarino requisado 01 by-dpc.jpg|thumb|Transatlantic smuggling submarine guarded by the National Police Corps of Spain at the National Police School in Ávila.]]

=== Operators ===

* Clan del Golfo<ref name=":3">{{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}}</ref> * National Liberation Army (ELN)<ref name=":3" /> * Oliver Sinisterra Front<ref name=":3" /> * Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC)<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" /><ref name="Southern Command" /> * Sinaloa Cartel<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" /><ref name="Southern Command" />

=== Routes === 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.<ref>{{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}}</ref> Homeland Security estimate submarines carry one-third of smuggled maritime goods to United States customers, while claiming they "are clueless" about the rest.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

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.<ref>{{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}}</ref> 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.<ref name="Tamil" /><ref name=documentary>{{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 }}</ref>

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.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

== Countermeasures == [[File:Narco sub2.jpg|thumb|A narco-submarine moments before being intercepted by the United States Navy (August 2007).]]

=== Surveillance === In 2007, the U.S. Coast Guard adjusted their underwater acoustic sensors to listen for submarines.<ref>{{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}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

=== 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".<ref name="NavyTimes" /> The penalty is a prison term of up to twenty years in the U.S.<ref>{{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 }}</ref><ref>{{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 }}</ref>

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.<ref name="scotsman">{{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 }}</ref>

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.<ref name=scotsman/>

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.<ref>{{cite news |author1=Terrance G. 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}}</ref>

== See also == {{div col|colwidth=20em}} * Anti-submarine warfare * Illegal drug trade * Illegal drug trade in Colombia * Merchant submarine * Mérida Initiative * Mexican drug war * Narco tank * Plan Colombia * Prohibition of drugs {{div col end}}

== References == {{reflist}}

==Further reading== *"''Ayer Médico, Hoy Narco – El Mexicano que Quizo ser Pablo Escobar''" (In Spanish) Author: Miguel Angel Montoya. Publisher: Oveja Negra. {{ISBN|978-958-06-1092-2}}. Biography, includes one chapter on the narco-submarine and narco torpedo development.

== External links == {{Commons category|Smuggling submarines}} *[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]

{{Mexican Drug War}} {{ModernMerchantShipTypes}} {{Warship types of the 19th & 20th centuries}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Narco Submarine}} Category:Merchant submarines Category:Illegal drug trade techniques