Suspected "Narco-Sub" Splits in Two While Being Towed off Spain's Coast.
A suspected "narco-sub" designed for drug smuggling broke into two parts while being towed by a fishing boat off the coast of northwestern Spain this week, according to police.
The "Maria Cristina" fishing boat spotted the semi-submerged vessel on Wednesday at the entrance to the Camarinas-Muxia estuary in the Galicia region. After notifying authorities, the boat began towing the vessel to the port of Camarinas, the Civil Guard said in a statement.
During the tow, the suspected narco-sub split into two sections: the bow, which remained afloat, and the stern, which sank due to its heavier weight. Police divers have since been searching for the sunken part of the vessel for further analysis. It remains unclear whether any drugs were found inside.
In 2023, the Civil Guard had refloated another "narco-sub" believed to have been used for transporting cocaine. A video showed divers measuring and inspecting the vessel underwater, while another showed officers operating a tow boat with a crane as the submarine’s bow emerged from the water.
In 2019, Spanish authorities seized a semi-submersible vessel carrying over 6,600 pounds of cocaine off Galicia’s coast, which was thought to have originated from South America.
Drug traffickers, particularly from Colombia, have frequently used submarines to transport cocaine into Mexico and subsequently into the United States. In 2023, a "narco-sub" carrying nearly three tons of cocaine and two dead bodies was seized off Colombia’s coast.
In November, the Mexican Navy reported seizing around 8,000 pounds of cocaine aboard a "narco-sub" off the Pacific coast, spotted about 153 miles from the resort town of Acapulco.
Two months prior, the U.S. Coast Guard offloaded over $54 million worth of cocaine, including more than 1,200 pounds seized from a "narco-sub."
Most of these vessels are semi-submersible, partially submerged ships that cannot fully dive like a submarine. However, some can travel completely underwater.
Galicia has long been a key entry point for drugs into Europe, with its rugged coastline, featuring numerous coves, caves, and inlets, providing ideal conditions for smugglers.
Just last week, Spanish police arrested seven individuals unloading 1,100 kilos of drugs from a high-speed boat in Vilanova de Arousa.
The Growing Threat of Narco-Subs: How Drug Traffickers Use Semi-Submersibles to Smuggle Drugs
In recent years, drug traffickers have increasingly turned to a new method for smuggling illicit substances into countries across the globe: the use of narco-subs. These semi-submersible vessels, designed to evade detection, have become a key part of the global drug trade, with authorities across various countries working tirelessly to track and intercept them.
Narco-subs are typically made from reinforced fiberglass or steel, and while most are semi-submersible (meaning they are partially submerged), some have the capability to travel entirely underwater. They are often custom-built to carry large quantities of drugs, particularly cocaine, and are typically used to transport illegal substances from South America to North America, Europe, and sometimes Africa. The primary countries involved in the construction and operation of narco-subs are Colombia, Ecuador, and Venezuela, with the vessels often being built in secluded areas far from law enforcement's reach.
Each year, authorities around the world seize an increasing number of these vessels, though the exact number of narco-subs in operation is difficult to determine. According to the U.S. Coast Guard, at least 30 to 40 semi-submersible vessels are intercepted annually. However, experts believe this number is only a fraction of the actual number of narco-subs in use, as many make it through undetected.
The primary route for these vessels is the Pacific Ocean, where traffickers use the remote coastlines of South and Central America to launch their vessels. From there, the ships make their way toward Mexico, with many heading to the United States. The goal is to avoid detection by radar, as the vessels are designed to sit low in the water, making them less visible. Once the vessel reaches its destination, the drugs are typically transferred onto speedboats or other vehicles for transport to land.
Although Mexico and the U.S. are the primary targets for narco-subs, there are also growing concerns about the vessels reaching European shores. In the past decade, several semi-submersibles have been intercepted off the coast of Spain, with large quantities of cocaine being discovered on board. Spain's proximity to South America, combined with its extensive coastline, makes it an attractive route for drug smugglers looking to transport narcotics into Europe.
The construction of these narco-subs has become more sophisticated over time. While early versions were rudimentary, traffickers have improved both the design and the technology behind these vessels. They are often equipped with powerful engines that allow them to travel long distances—sometimes up to 4,000 miles—without needing to refuel. Some are even outfitted with the ability to go fully underwater, making detection even more challenging for authorities.
The United States, Mexico, and Colombia are at the forefront of combating the use of narco-subs. The U.S. Coast Guard frequently conducts operations to intercept these vessels, with some operations involving complex high-speed chases or underwater surveillance. Despite these efforts, the use of narco-subs continues to grow, reflecting the increasing demand for cocaine and other illegal drugs around the world.
The issue of narco-subs has led to increased cooperation between governments and law enforcement agencies. Countries like Colombia, Ecuador, and the U.S. have worked together to monitor and interdict narco-subs, but it remains a difficult challenge. With the profit margins from the drug trade being incredibly high, traffickers are constantly adapting and finding new ways to outsmart authorities.
The use of narco-subs in drug trafficking highlights the lengths to which criminals will go to evade detection and continue the illegal trade. As drug smuggling methods evolve, authorities will need to stay ahead of these technological advancements to protect their borders and communities.
