WASHINGTON: The US Coast Guard said it has seized $181 million worth of cocaine from a submarine-like vessel in the eastern Pacific Ocean, but even more drugs sank during the bust.
The Coast Guard seized 5,400 kilograms (12,000 pounds) of cocaine from four smugglers on a semi-submersible ship, the agency said.
US Coast Guard said it has seized $181 million worth of cocaine from a submarine-like vessel. Photo: Supplied
The vessel, which was first spotted about 320 kilometres (200 miles) south of Mexico, was carrying a total of 7,258 kilograms (16,000 pounds) of narcotics.
As the ship was being towed, it took on water and sank and some 1,814 kilograms (4,000 pounds) of narcotics were lost in the process.
The seizure, which took place on July 18, was the “largest recorded semi-submersible interdiction in Coast Guard history,” according to the agency.
The 12-metre (40-foot) vessel was deemed “unrecoverable” after it sank.
The Coast Guard said there have been 25 known interdictions of semi-submersible vessels in the eastern Pacific Ocean since November 2006.
“Every interception of these semi-submersibles disrupts transnational organised crime networks and helps increase security and stability in the Western Hemisphere,” Vice Admiral Charles W. Ray, commander of the Pacific area, said in a statement.
Semi-submersible ships are designed for drug trafficking.
They are mostly submerged, often with only a cockpit and exhaust pipe visible above water and are particularly difficult to detect and interdict, the Coast Guard said.
