Guatemala - Officials seize cocaine submarine

**dirtydog** · 24-10-2009, 12:56 AM

Officials seize cocaine submarine

The seizure is one of the largest made by Guatemalan authorities

Guatemalan and US authorities have seized a makeshift submarine loaded with cocaine with a US street value of $200m (£120m).

The submarine, which had 10 tonnes of cocaine on board, was stopped by the coast guard some 280km (175 miles) off Guatemala's Pacific coast.

Four Colombians and one Mexican man on board the vessel were arrested.

Guatemala is becoming an important transit point for illegal drugs moved north by Mexican trafficking cartels.

These cartels are increasingly moving into neighbouring Guatemala in a bid to ensure safe supply lines following a crackdown launched by Mexico's President Felipe Calderon.

The president has deployed more than 45,000 troops to fight drug gangs since he took office in December 2006.

At least two other submarine-like vessels have been found by anti-drug patrols in the waters around Central America.

The BBC's Jeremy McDermott, in Medellin, says drugs smugglers often use such makeshift vessels - constructed in steel and fibreglass - as they are difficult to detect using a conventional radar.

Our correspondent adds that the vessels, which can cost up to $1m each, are often sunk after use.

BBC NEWS | Americas | Officials seize cocaine submarine

Guatemala Weather Forecasts

**The Fresh Prince** · 24-10-2009, 01:00 AM

I wonder how much it costs to make $200m worth of cocaine.

**dirtydog** · 24-10-2009, 01:05 AM

Quite a bit less than $20,000,000

**The Fresh Prince** · 24-10-2009, 01:08 AM

It can't cost much. All you need to do is grow it and then pay a pittance to have the locals turn it in to the good stuff. You could probably just let them get as high as they want and they'd work for free.

**Don Juan** · 24-10-2009, 01:11 AM

Can you grow it in a greenhouse?

**Muadib** · 24-10-2009, 01:42 AM

yes, but you need a lot of raw coca leafs to have any yield...

The Colombians have been using pseudo-subs for years... Only thing new is that they are actually catching some now...

**Fabian** · 24-10-2009, 01:53 AM

At 200 million per delivery I am surprised they still use makeshift submarines instead of old real submarines bought off some corrupt governments.

**Muadib** · 24-10-2009, 02:01 AM

From 2000...

BBC News | AMERICAS | Drug submarine found in Colombia

**Chairman Mao** · 24-10-2009, 09:12 AM

^^ Yes, US coast guards wouldn't be suspicious of a full sized u-boat on their radar screens at all.

**corned dog** · 24-10-2009, 11:21 AM

Where are all the nigerians when you need them

**Fabian** · 24-10-2009, 11:37 AM

^^ So the small ones they don't see?

**Chairman Mao** · 24-10-2009, 11:47 AM

Read the OP Fabian.

The BBC's Jeremy McDermott, in Medellin, says drugs smugglers often use such makeshift vessels - constructed in steel and fibreglass - as they are difficult to detect using a conventional radar.

**English Noodles** · 24-10-2009, 11:55 AM

Originally Posted by Chairman Mao

^^ Yes, US coast guards wouldn't be suspicious of a full sized u-boat on their radar screens at all.

Thought the Colombians did try to buy a Soviet submarine complete with crew before. GANGSTERS INCORPORATED - LUDWIG 'TARZAN' FAINBERG

**English Noodles** · 24-10-2009, 12:05 PM

Originally Posted by The Fresh Prince

It can't cost much. All you need to do is grow it and then pay a pittance to have the locals turn it in to the good stuff. You could probably just let them get as high as they want and they'd work for free.

Here''s a nice, very well written page to take a look at if you are interested. South American Cocaine Production | Cultural Survival

**Fabian** · 24-10-2009, 12:16 PM

CM, seems like sometimes it helps reading the whole post, thanks.

**Chairman Mao** · 24-10-2009, 12:44 PM

No worries. I'm simply here to help.

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