Narco Subs Spotted in Pacific Raise Alarms Over Increased Drug Trafficking to Australia
Sydney, Australia – Australian authorities are on high alert following confirmed sightings of several narco submarines – purpose-built, semi-submersible vessels – operating in the Pacific Ocean, raising fears of a significant escalation in drug trafficking attempts targeting Australia.The advancement comes amid growing warnings that Mexican and South American cartels are actively expanding their reach into the region, seeking new markets and routes to circumvent conventional law enforcement efforts.
The increased activity represents a substantial shift in tactics, moving beyond traditional methods like air drops and container shipments. Experts warn that narco subs, capable of carrying tonnes of cocaine and operating largely undetected, pose a significant challenge to border security. “These vessels are incredibly difficult to detect,” explained a source within the Australian Federal Police (AFP) who spoke on the condition of anonymity. “They travel just below the surface, minimizing radar signatures, and are often constructed from readily available materials, making them hard to distinguish from legitimate fishing vessels.”
The recent detections, confirmed by both the AFP and the Australian Border Force (ABF), have prompted a reassessment of maritime surveillance strategies and increased collaboration with international partners, including the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and regional Pacific Island nations. While authorities are remaining tight-lipped about the exact locations of the sightings, sources indicate the vessels were tracked moving along established maritime routes towards Australia’s eastern and northern coastlines.
The threat isn’t new. Authorities have been aware of the potential for narco sub use for years, but the confirmed sightings represent the closest such vessels have come to Australian shores.In 2019, a partially constructed narco sub was discovered in a remote jungle area of Colombia, believed to be destined for delivery to a cartel operating in the Pacific.
“I thought it was cool, I thought it was cool getting locked up,” said Nagi, a former member of a Middle Eastern crime gang who spoke to ABC News about his experiences. “you can be a quiet kid and two years later you’ve become a monster.” His story underscores the broader criminal networks that could possibly utilize these advanced trafficking methods.
the potential influx of drugs carried by these vessels could have devastating consequences for australia, exacerbating existing issues with drug-related crime, addiction, and associated health problems. Authorities estimate the Australian illegal drug market is worth billions of dollars annually, and the cartels are increasingly motivated by the high profits to be made.
The AFP and ABF are urging the public to report any suspicious maritime activity. Anyone with data is encouraged to contact 7.30 here: https://www.abc.net.au/news/programs/730/about-contact.
