Colombian Drug Dealers Use High-Tech Boat to Smuggle Drugs Undetected

It holds true that Pablo Escobar is one of the best drug smugglers in the world. But since his death, others have become creative. Or at least, they try in order to prevent from getting caught. You see, they’ve just become too clever with their works that most of the authorities don’t have any idea how to stop them.

Take for example those drug dealers who were famous for using Kuwait pigeons to deliver their goods. If you think this is clever enough, you’re wrong. With technological advancement, Colombian drug dealers have become more sophisticated and elaborated with their smuggling routines.

Actor Wagner Moura plays Pablo Escobar on Netflix drama Narcos (Image via Variety) 

Recently, the Guatemalan forces discovered what appeared to be an “odd watercraft.” It is said to utilize the same technology as the famous military vessels called Very Slender Vessels (VSVs). One would think that this watercraft came from the military forces. But nope, they weren’t.

It was later on revealed that the stealthy watercraft came from drug smugglers who used it to deliver drugs without getting noticed. It was perhaps abandoned soon after the Guatemalan National Civil Police recovered it about 23 miles off the Guatemala coast.

Image via PopMech

According to reports, the vessel’s navigation equipment and other outboard motors were removed. This was probably done to make room for the drugs. A naval analyst said that unlike the past narco watercrafts, this one came with a very sophisticated design.

Image via PopMech

HI Sutton of the Covert Shores web stories had this to say:

VSVs are normally associated with Navy Special Forces or racing, so this is the first time we have seen a narco-sub which uses this design.

Sutton further revealed:

The VSV form is ideal for semi-submersibles and means that it can be faster and keep a lower profile. The downside is that there is less room inside for cargo. But the payload will still be worth millions of dollars so it is easily worth it for the drug smugglers.

It should be noted, too, that VSVs are way faster compared to any semi-submersible vessels. In the case of the drug smugglers, they were definitely quick in delivering their goods.

Image via PopMech

The discovered vessel has a speed of around 20 knots. If it is to travel from Colombia to Mexico – or Guatemala in this case – the entire trip should only take 4 days.

H/T: PopMech

Alvin Albaciete