Narco subs can be described as a self-propelled, ocean-going vessel that transports drugs. They are manufactured by South American drug cartels. These boats are designed to evade detection and to carry a large amount of cocaine. Most narco subs carry 1.6 tons of cocaine. Around one thousand narco submarines are known to be operating around the globe.
Drug cartels use the narco submarines to transport drugs across South America to the United States. Drug bosses pay engineers and boat designers to build these enormous craft. This is done in secret factories in the Colombian jungle.
Narco subs are designed to evade radar, sonar, and navies. These subs aren't submarines, but they are difficult to capture. Law enforcement has intercepted a small number of narco subs over the years. However, hundreds of subs are still out there.
Narco submarines usually carry about 1.6 tons of cocaine. But they can carry much more. According to some reports, narco subs can hold up eight tonnes. Subs carry their cargo along onboard for thousands of kilometers without having to stop and refuel.
These types vessels can be found throughout South America and Central America. These vessels have been captured numerous times by the U.S. Navy over the years. A few years back, the U.S. Coast Guard detected a sub-narco in international waters near Guatemala.
Narco subs are very successful at smuggling drugs. These vessels have become more advanced over the years. Some can float below the surface while others can dive up to 20 meters. Regardless of whether a narco sub floats or dives, the payload is very large.
The latest narcosub is very unusual. It was a large, carbon-fiber submarine measuring 66 feet. It was powered by an electric motor with propellers. This allowed it to travel at about 2,000 horsepower. It traveled from the Amazon to Atlantic and arrived in Spanish waters on 24/11.
The 1990s saw narco subs being used by drug cartels. A number of documentaries have been made regarding the subs. Many details are still not clear.
Even though drug traffickers are skilled at smuggling, they cannot ignore the technological advances made in the fight against drugs. It is important to be familiar with the different types of vessels used.
Drug cartels are known to build narco subs that are both high-tech and relatively cheap to produce. They are meant to travel slowly, evade detection, and to be difficult to track down. Many are made from fiberglass, lead or both.
Drug cartels have also invented new ways to transport the drugs. These include small, torpedo-style cargo container and high-speed boats. Many of these methods have proven effective but they can also be a threat to national safety.