A narco-submarine (also called a drug sub or narco-sub) is a type of custom ocean-going, self-propelled, semi-submersible or fully-submersible vessel built by (or for) drug smugglers.[2][3][4]
Newer semi-submersibles are "nearly-fully" submersible in order to reduce likelihood of detection by visual, radar, sonar, or infrared systems.[3] Cargo capacity varies widely with vessel size, although several tons is typical. In 2015, the largest-known cargo of 7.7 tonnes (17,000 lb) was seized on a semi-submersible craft.[5] Some contemporary narco-subs are capable of crossing the Atlantic Ocean.[6]
- ^ "Peruvian authorities seize narco-submarine carrying over a ton of cocaine". The Miami Herald. December 13, 2019. Retrieved February 3, 2020.
- ^ Schmidt, Michael S.; Thom Shanker (September 10, 2012). "Smugglers Go Under the Sea To Move Drugs". The New York Times. New York. p. A1.
- ^ a b Kushner, David (April 23, 2009). "Drug-Sub Culture". The New York Times. Retrieved April 25, 2009.
- ^ Bajak, Frank (July 4, 2010). "Ecuadoreans, DEA seize drug-smuggling submarine". APF. Archived from the original on July 7, 2010. Retrieved July 4, 2010.
- ^ "US navy seizes submarine with seven tonnes of cocaine on board". The Guardian. Associated Press. July 22, 2015. Retrieved April 29, 2017.
- ^ Mizokami, Kyle (March 4, 2020). "Why Our Seas Are Suddenly Swimming With Drug-Running Narcosubs". Popular Mechanics. Retrieved March 4, 2020 – via Yahoo!.