The Pursuit of Drug Traffickers and the Rise of Narco-Submarines
Police are actively pursuing drug traffickers. The hand of the law is closing in. Law enforcement is deploying measures against drug trafficking, as highlighted in an interview with The Wall Street Journal regarding submarine operations in Spain.
The Difficulty of Locating Narco-Submarines
Finding narco-submarines is a difficult task because they sit low in the water, making them hard to detect. These vessels are becoming increasingly sophisticated.
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At least three narco-submarines have been found in waters near Spain in the last five years.
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Police estimate that around 30 individuals have avoided capture during that same period.
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The first vessel, discovered in 2019, sent shockwaves worldwide, proving that these submarines are more advanced and capable of traveling further distances than previously believed.
Official sources indicate the submarine originated from Brazil, embarking on a 27-day journey spanning over 4,000 kilometers before its interception.
Construction and Operation of Narco-Submarines
Most narco-submarines are constructed in the forested areas of South American coastlines, using the natural landscape for camouflage. The Amazon region, with its network of lakes and rivers, offers an ideal environment for construction and launch.
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The Amazon's geography, a world of interconnected islands and lakes, provides concealment for building and launching the vessels.
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Submarines can be easily hidden, constructed, placed in the water, and retrieved under the cover of darkness.
Law enforcement estimates that each submarine typically costs around one million US dollars to build.
Cargo and Interior
Despite being called "narco-submarines," they are rarely fully loaded. One particular vessel was about half-full and capable of holding approximately $139 million worth of cargo. These vessels, measuring 70 meters long, submerge to about half their 10-meter height, keeping them below the average wave height. Inside, there is very limited space for the crew. This submarine only had three crew. The interior is sparsely furnished, with vertical iron wires.
Evolution of Drug Trafficking Methods
While the use of narco-submarines is a relatively new phenomenon in Europe, these methods have been used in the Americas for decades. Some crafts have been known to transport drugs from Southeast Asia and the coasts of Hunan to Central America, eventually reaching the United States via Mexico. Other crafts have been discovered off the coast of Henan.
Challenges in Combating Drug Trafficking
Despite global law enforcement efforts, the fight against drug trafficking remains challenging. Radar systems can detect a signal briefly, but often lose it due to the interference of waves and water currents. The only tool they can use is thermal cameras, which detect the heat of objects in the dark. However, searching such a vast area makes it difficult to locate the submarines. They often transfer the drugs to smaller vessels at sea for transport to shore. This involves using different transportation methods simultaneously, designed to overwhelm law enforcement resources.
One strategy involves creating diversions, such as dispersing large quantities of decoy packages. Drug trafficking methods are constantly evolving, staying one step ahead of law enforcement.
Searching for Hidden Drugs
Law enforcement officers search for hidden compartments in packages, sometimes finding drugs concealed within false bottoms. In some cases, they have warrants to open and inspect everything, while in others, they must request the removal of items for inspection. The atmosphere is tense, with the constant presence of drugs.
The Ongoing Struggle
Despite global efforts to combat drug trafficking, governments continue to struggle to keep up with the evolving tactics and technologies employed by drug traffickers. Police acknowledge being outpaced and express concern that the development of unmanned vessels will further complicate the challenge.
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