(MENAFN) The Colombian navy announced on Monday that it had intercepted a semi-submersible vessel carrying nearly 1,000 packages of cocaine in the Pacific Ocean off the country's coast. The seizure came about a week after officials seized another vessel, known as a "narco sub," carrying a large haul of drugs and two dead bodies in the same region. The semi-submersible was carrying three men and 985 packages of cocaine worth about USD33 million, according to officials. The vessel was headed to Central America before it was detected by units of the Colombian navy with support from the nation's air force.
The seizure of the semi-submersible vessel kept about 2.5 million doses of illegal drugs off the market, authorities said. Video footage posted by officials showed officers unloading packages from the vessel, some of which appeared to be labeled "ROCKY" and "LMM." Military officers also found navigation and communications equipment inside the boat.
Captain Cristian Andres Guzman Echeverry, speaking in a video released by the navy, credited the operation's success to naval intelligence information and the capabilities of the coast guard. The interception of the semi-submersible vessel is the latest in a series of high-profile drug seizures in the region, highlighting the ongoing challenge of combating drug trafficking in Colombia and other parts of Latin America.
The use of semi-submersible vessels has become increasingly common among drug traffickers in recent years, as they are difficult to detect and can transport large quantities of drugs across the ocean. The vessels are typically designed to be just below the water's surface, making them difficult to spot by radar or satellite. Drug traffickers often use these vessels to transport cocaine from Colombia to other parts of the world, particularly Central America and Mexico.
The interception of the semi-submersible vessel is a significant blow to drug trafficking networks operating in the region. However, it also underscores the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in their efforts to combat the drug trade. Despite significant efforts to disrupt drug trafficking operations, the trade remains a major source of revenue for criminal organizations in Latin America, fueling violence and instability in the region.
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