This is the second semi-submarine intercepted sailing with drugs by the Pacific Naval Force in the last 15 days, preventing more than 124 million dollars from entering the financial structures of drug trafficking organizations.
The Colombian Navy, in maritime control and security operations, intercepted a LPV-type semi-submarine device (low-profile ship) sailing in the South Pacific, in which drug trafficking organizations intended to transport more than three tons of marijuana to Central America.
The device, found in the early hours of the morning by Coast Guard units, was manned by three individuals of Colombian nationality, measured 15 meters long and three meters wide. During the inspection, the military personnel found 108 sacks which were taken, along with the men, to a Navy ship that was in the area.
Due to the difficult weather conditions, the semisubmarine had an ingress of water which led to its sinking.
The illegal merchandise along with the individuals, were taken to the District of Tumaco, where the authorities conducted the Approved Preliminary Identification Test - PIPH on the packages, confirming positive result for 3319 kilograms of marijuana.
The individuals were put into custody of the authority to be prosecuted under the provisions of Law 1311 of 2009, which criminalizes the use, construction, marketing, possession and transport of semi-submarines or submarines with penalties between by 6 and 14 years.
With this blow to drug trafficking organizations, the Colombian Navy prevented more than 21 million dollars from entering its financial structures and the distribution of more than 550 thousand doses of marijuana.
Source: Press – Navy of Colombia