Colombia nabs fully submersible drug submarine
Posted : Tuesday Feb 15, 2011 11:02:36 EST
BOGOTA, Colombia — Colombian soldiers have for the first time seized a fully submersible drug-smuggling submarine capable of reaching the coast of Mexico, authorities announced Monday.
Last July, another fully submersible “narcosub” was seized just across the border by authorities in neighboring Ecuador.
Previous drug-carrying vessels found in Colombia were only semi-submersible, meaning part of the structure always remained above the surface.
But the sub discovered Sunday can operate completely underwater, Col. Manuel Hurtado, chief of staff of Colombia’s Pacific Command, told the Associated Press. He estimated it could hold eight tons of drugs.
The sub in Colombia was found in a rural area of Cauca province on the Timgiqui River about 275 miles southwest of Bogota, the capital.
Hurtado said intelligence reports and tips from informants led troops to the vessel. He said the sub was empty when soldiers found it and no one was arrested.
The 99-foot-long fiberglass boat has room for a crew of six and is powered by two diesel engines and has an air-conditioned interior, Hurtado said. He said it can submerge up to nine feet deep and is equipped with a 16½-foot periscope.
“The engines were already fully installed and ready to go,” Hurtado said.
The sub had “the capacity to sail totally underwater and the ability to travel to the coast of Mexico without surfacing,” he added. He said such a trip would take eight to nine days.
Hurtado estimated the vessel had taken six to eight months to build and cost about $2 million.
He said Colombia has seized at least 32 semi-submersible vessels designed to smuggle drugs over the last decade, including a dozen last year.
Leave a Comment
Most Viewed Stories
- $2.2M sub mishap was ‘avoidable,’ report says
- 2 submarine officers charged in fraud probe
- Navy announces 1-star flag assignments
- National parks entrance fees waived for troops
- The Sullivans skipper relieved of command
- Sailors vs. aliens: ‘Battleship’ debuts Friday
- NCIS: $2M in stolen military property recovered
- Ex-Navy man accused of torturing sailor wife
- Naval Academy’s Sea Trials to start Tuesday
- House panel raises doubts over manning LCSs
- Former sailor seeks clemency for fraternization
- Navy plans new breath testing pilot program
Contests and Promotions
Free Stickers
Click here and we'll send you a FREE AFGHANISTAN, IRAQ, VIETNAM, or DESERT STORM sticker.
MIl-MALL
Browse and buy some of the awesome products we have at Mil-mall.com
-
Gummi Jet Fighters
Price: $1.25
Add to Cart | See More Products! -
Fly Navy: Celebrating the First Century of Naval Aviation
Price: Sale!$54.95
Add to Cart | See More Products! -
Navy Bear
Price: $9.95
Add to Cart | See More Products! -
Navy Scrapbook Album
Price: $16.95
Add to Cart | See More Products! -
U.S. Navy Veteran Coin
Price: $9.50
Add to Cart | See More Products! -
VALOR and VISION: Heroes * Leaders * Innovation
Price: $6.95
Add to Cart | See More Products!
Military Discounts
Save on your purchases!
In honor of your military service, you can find regular and name brand products at a special discount.








