Police seize submarine used by Colombia rebels to transport drugs
BOGOTA, Colombia (AFP) – A semi-submersible boat of the type used by leftist FARC rebels to transport cocaine has been seized and destroyed in southwest Colombia, police said Tuesday.
The amphibious vessel, estimated to cost about US$1.5 million, was discovered stowed on dry land in a forested area in the country’s southwestern Narino province.
Officials said in a statement that they discovered it thanks to a tip from an informant. It measured 12 metres (39 feet) by 3.5 metres (11.5 feet).
Colombian authorities received assistance from agents with the US Drug Enforcement Administration.
Officials said they destroyed eight such boats last year in Colombia, one of the world’s top producers of cocaine.
Such submersible vessels have the ability of cruising below the surface of the water, often evading detection by drug enforcement authorities.
