A semi-submersible boat, of the design shown in the two photographs, was intercepted by agents of the Costa Rican Coast Guard and Frontier Police off the Pacific coast of Costa Rica with almost two tons of cocaine. A similar vessel with just under one ton of drugs was intercepted in July, also off the country’s Pacific coast.

Thirty packages were found aboard containing 1,200 kilograms of cocaine. In one report, two Colombians and one Ecuadorian are stated as detained; another gives two Ecuadorians. They are said to have attempted to sink their vessel but were thwarted in the attempt. The boat was powered by two 75 horsepower outboard motors and was about 12 meters long.

The use of semi-submersibles, often called narco-submarines, is now an increasingly common means of transporting illegal drugs used by international drug trafficking rings. They are generally thought to be difficult to detect.

Semi-submersibles are often towed by fishing boats which make detection difficult. The boats can detach the semi-submersibles when or if coast guard or law enforcement agents appear. Another developing problem is the remote control of such vessels. Again, this makes it difficult to intercept the traffickers even if the semi-submersible can be impounded.

Semi-submersible with two 75 HP outboard motors, 12 meters in length. (Photo: The Costa Rica Star)

(Photo by Handout / Ministerio de Seguridad Pública / AFP)