Colombian Authorities Capture Narco-Sub Containing $27 Million Worth of 'Scorpion' Cocaine

The Colombian Navy has intercepted a semi-submersible vessel carrying nearly 800kg of cocaine. The 15m-long "narco-sub" was seized in Colombian waters and it is the first one to be detected this year. The navy estimated the drugs to be worth $27m and believes that the sub was en route to the US or Europe. Three individuals on board have been arrested. The packages of cocaine hydrochloride found on the vessel were stamped with a scorpion symbol or labeled "Winnie" and "Carnal". The sub and suspects were taken to Buenaventura, a Colombian port city. The Colombian Navy stated that the seizure prevented the entry of $27m to drug trafficking organizations and the distribution of around two million doses worldwide. Narco-subs are a popular method for drug transport due to their ability to avoid detection and be sunk after delivery. They are often homemade, made from materials such as fibreglass and plywood. Colombia is the largest producer of cocaine globally. In 2023, the Colombian Navy intercepted 30 tonnes of cocaine and over five tonnes of marijuana. Last year, the largest narco-sub ever recorded in Colombia, measuring approximately 100ft long and 10ft wide, was seized with three tonnes of cocaine on board. According to authorities, Colombia set a record in 2022 for cocaine production, and the cultivation of coca leaf spread across 230,000 hectares. Additionally, authorities in Belgium reported seizing a record amount of cocaine at the port of Antwerp, which has become Europe's main entry point for the drug from South America.