Drug cartels

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.