A global anti-narcotics operation, led by Colombia and supported by 62 nations, achieved a historic milestone by seizing 225 tonnes of cocaine within six weeks. Dubbed Operation Orion, this initiative uncovered a new smuggling route to Australia involving “narco submarines.”
The collaborative effort intercepted six semi-submersible vessels loaded with cocaine, including one bound for Australia with five tonnes of the drug. This marks a significant shift in trafficking tactics, as Colombian traffickers usually smuggle smaller quantities, typically between 5 to 50 kilograms, hidden in cargo ships.
Captain Manuel Rodríguez, head of Colombia’s navy anti-narcotics unit, emphasized the importance of the operation: “This seizure prevents thousands of overdose deaths and denies cartels $8.5 billion in profits, delivering a critical blow to these criminal organizations.”
The operation’s success stemmed from unprecedented international cooperation. Countries pooled resources, including aircraft, helicopters, and frigates, while sharing intelligence to track and intercept shipments. Notably, a narco-submarine carrying cocaine was stopped 1,250 miles southwest of Clipperton Island in the Pacific.
Demand for cocaine in Australia, where a kilogram fetches up to $240,000, has driven traffickers to innovate. Enhanced semi-submersibles with increased fuel capacity now enable these long journeys, such as the 4,000-mile voyage from Tumaco, Colombia, to Oceania.
In addition to cocaine, authorities seized over 1,400 tonnes of drugs, including marijuana, and arrested more than 400 individuals. The operation also disrupted illegal arms shipments and human trafficking networks.
Captain Rodríguez expressed optimism about future advancements, including artificial intelligence, which could aid in detecting hidden drugs in cargo vessels. He noted that this success could signify a turning point in the fight against global drug trafficking.
28 November 2024
