Cartels are leveraging advanced technologies, including supercomputers, weaponized drones, and narco subs, to expand their illicit operations globally. A recent interception of six narco subs en route from Colombia to Australia underscored the increasing sophistication of these criminal enterprises.
Sophisticated Technology in Drug Trafficking
Authorities seized over 1,400 tons of illicit drugs, including 225 tons of cocaine and 128 tons of marijuana, from the subs. These advanced semi-submersibles are capable of traveling over 10,000 miles, a testament to the cartels’ technological ingenuity.
Dr. Robert Bunker, a cartel expert, highlighted how the use of cutting-edge tools like RF jammers, AI systems, and drones has evolved over the past three decades. “Back in the early 1990s, the Cali cartel utilized a million-dollar IBM AS/400 supercomputer for their operations,” he explained. “Today’s cartels, powered by billions in profits, can afford some of the most advanced technology available.”
Enormous Profits Drive Innovation
Each narco sub, valued at $25 million, carries up to five metric tons of cocaine. The street value of a single shipment reaching its destination in Australia is estimated at $500 million, providing an astonishing profit margin of $250 million per sub.
These profits enable cartels to further refine their operations, integrating sophisticated technology into every stage of their supply chain.
Weaponized Drones and Chemical Warfare
Cartels are not limiting their tech advancements to drug trafficking. Earlier this year, the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) deployed drones to drop chemical agents in Michoacán, Mexico. The drones carried explosive bombs and asphyxiant chemicals, used to dominate local communities.
The rise of “monster guns,” or C-UAS weapons, has also been documented. These high-powered devices are typically used by military forces but have been repurposed by cartels for precision attacks against rival groups and law enforcement.
Historical Use of Technology
The use of advanced technology by cartels is not new. As early as 1994, law enforcement discovered detailed computer records documenting bribes paid to officials and tracking potential enemies. This long-standing reliance on tech underscores how deeply embedded innovation is in cartel operations.
Global Implications
The interception of these narco subs and the growing prevalence of high-tech cartel tools signal a chilling trend. With access to vast resources and state-of-the-art technology, cartels are extending their reach and impact on a global scale.
5 December 2024
