FIRST TRANS-ATLANTIC NARCOSUB CAPTURE OFF COAST OF SPAIN

by Bob Walsh

A narcosub carrying a bit over 3 tons of cocaine was captured a couple of days ago about one mile off the coast of Spain.

The capture of the vessel, technically known as a LPV (low profile vessel, not a true submersible) was managed by a combination of units from the Spain, Portugal and the U.K. It was caught up in some nets, though it was not clear from the news article whether or not the netting was accidental or purposeful. They are designed to run with just the wheel house and a snorkel above the water, making them very difficult to spot either visually or with radar.

There have been rumors for years about these vessels being used for trans-Atlantic trips, but this is the first one that has been identified and snagged by the authorities. It was a purpose-built vessel made largely of fiberglass.

The cargo had a guesstimated street value of a bit over $100 million dollars.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Another victory in the war on drugs.