A joint operation between the United States and Colombia on Monday, February 9, 2026, resulted in the interception of a narcosubmarine carrying nearly 10 tons of cocaine and the arrest of its four-person crew. The operation, conducted in international waters with support from the Colombian Armed Forces, led to the destruction of the seized cocaine, valued at approximately $441 million, according to the U.S. Department of State.
The Department of State stated on the social media platform X that Colombian security forces “executed a joint operation to target this narcosubmarine,” adding, “Strong partnerships deliver strong results.” Details regarding the precise location of the interception have not been released.
The operation comes just one week after Colombian President Gustavo Petro concluded a visit to Washington, D.C., where he met with U.S. President Donald Trump. The visit was intended to address recent diplomatic tensions and seek a recalibration of the bilateral relationship between the two countries, according to reports.
This joint operation marks a shift in tactics compared to previous U.S. Actions against suspected drug trafficking vessels. Since August 2025, the U.S. Has conducted a series of lethal strikes against boats allegedly involved in the drug trade in the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, as part of Operation Southern Lancer. Those operations have resulted in a significant number of fatalities. In contrast to those incidents, the crew of the intercepted narcosubmarine were taken into custody for prosecution.
The timing of this operation, following President Petro’s visit, suggests a renewed commitment to cooperation on counter-narcotics efforts, despite recent disagreements. The U.S. State Department has not yet commented on whether the operation was a direct outcome of discussions during the presidential visit.
