How Are Drug Traffickers Using Submarines for Cocaine Transport?

  • Context: News 
  • Thread starter Thread starter nismaratwork
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the use of submarines by drug traffickers for transporting cocaine, highlighting a specific case of a submarine seized by Ecuadorean authorities. Participants explore the implications of such vessels on drug trafficking methods and law enforcement challenges.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes the construction of a fully operational submarine specifically for drug trafficking, emphasizing its stealth and operational capabilities.
  • Another participant recalls a previous instance where a Russian submarine was rented for drug transport, suggesting that this method is not new.
  • Some participants express differing views on the impressiveness of the homemade submarine compared to rented vessels, with one arguing that building a submarine from scratch is more remarkable.
  • There is mention of the need for increased border security and efforts in the war on drugs in light of these developments.
  • One participant shares a link to a related story, indicating a broader context of drug trafficking methods.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing opinions on the significance of the homemade submarine versus previously rented vessels, indicating a lack of consensus on what constitutes an impressive feat in drug trafficking methods.

Contextual Notes

Some discussions reference historical instances of drug transport methods, but the relevance and accuracy of these claims remain unverified within the thread.

Who May Find This Useful

Readers interested in drug trafficking methods, law enforcement challenges, and the evolution of smuggling techniques may find this discussion relevant.

nismaratwork
Messages
359
Reaction score
0
http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/americas/07/03/ecuador.drug.submarine/index.html?hpt=C1

I have to say, I was prepared to laugh this off until I got to the part about the twin screws, AC, and the fact that it is not a stolen or re purposed vessel. This is submarine built in the damned jungle for the express purpose of smuggling cocaine. That, is both terrible, and amazing.

Here is the story:

CNN said:
CNN) -- A fully functional submarine built for the primary purpose of transporting massive amounts of cocaine has been seized by Ecuadorean authorities with the help of U.S. drug enforcement agents.

A drug-trafficking organization built the sea-worthy vessel that is now being held near the border of Ecuador and Colombia, and one individual has been taken into custody, authorities said. The investigation into the group and the submarine, which was seized Friday, is ongoing.

"This is the first seizure of a clandestinely constructed fully operational submarine built to facilitate trans-oceanic drug trafficking," the Drug Enforcement Administration said in a statement.

The vessel utilized twin screws and was diesel electric-powered, the agency said. It was about 30 meters (98 feet) long and nearly 3 meters (nine feet) high from the deck plates to the ceiling. It has a periscope and an air-conditioning system.

"Traffickers historically employed slow-moving fishing boats, sail boats, pleasure craft go-fasts," said Jay Bergman, Andean regional director for the agency. "The advent of the narco-submarine presents new detection challenges for maritime interdiction forces. The submarine's nautical range, payload capacity and quantum leap in stealth have raised the stakes for the counter-drug forces and the national security community alike."

The submarine was constructed in a "remote jungle environment in an effort to elude law enforcement or military interdiction," the agency said.

Acting on intelligence, Ecuadorean authorities were able to seize the vessel for before its maiden voyage, the statement said.
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
I remember seeing a NG story on this a year or so ago. Those drug lords sure are crafty. But this is all the more reason on why we need to up border security and the war on drugs.

Have you ever watched how they make cocaine? It is absolutely astonishing that you don't die instantly from your first use (the same can be said for any other drug).
 
Yawn. Back in the early 90s an Israeli rented out a full blown Russian Submarine and crew and packed the insides of it filled with drugs from central America to the coats of FL.
 
Cyrus said:
Yawn. Back in the early 90s an Israeli rented out a full blown Russian Submarine and crew and packed the insides of it filled with drugs from central America to the coats of FL.

Yes, but that isn't at all impressive because, as you say, they RENTED IT. I don't think that it's so impressive that submarines exist, and that individuals can own them. I AM impressed that they built this, from "scratch" in the jungle. This isn't a retrofit, this is a bottom-up approach to try and make it untraceable.

KalemMekhar: It is indeed, and even more so with methamphetamine.
 
nismaratwork said:
Yes, but that isn't at all impressive because, as you say, they RENTED IT. I don't think that it's so impressive that submarines exist, and that individuals can own them. I AM impressed that they built this, from "scratch" in the jungle. This isn't a retrofit, this is a bottom-up approach to try and make it untraceable.

KalemMekhar: It is indeed, and even more so with methamphetamine.


Um, the Israeli dude bought 6 of these helicopters, along with trying to get a Russian sub.

Mi8t-3.jpg


When I say submarine, I don't mean that rinky dinky thing you linked to, I mean this:

http://visualrian.com/storage/PreviewWM/1875/22/187522.jpg
 
Ahh the MI-8T. Russian helos are an interest of mine. Any link to the story about the Israeli? I'd like to read it.
 

Similar threads

Do Movies Teach Us Realistic Life Skills?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
10K