Massive Cocaine Haul Discovered in Jungle After “Narco Sub” Unearthed

Authorities in Guyana announced on Sunday the seizure of over 8,000 pounds of cocaine discovered in a dense jungle near the Venezuelan border. This significant operation comes just weeks after the discovery of a “narco sub” in the same area, showcasing the ongoing battle against drug trafficking in the region.

The seizure is regarded as the largest in Guyana’s recent history, with Security Minister Robeson Benn revealing to reporters that the cocaine’s estimated street value is at least $200 million. The drugs were hidden in makeshift earthen pits located in the northwest region of the country, officials explained.

The cocaine was found close to a clandestine airstrip believed to be used for shipping drugs to Europe. James Singh, who heads the anti-narcotics unit of Guyana’s customs agency, stated that traffickers had dug holes in the ground to conceal the cocaine, afterwards covering them with wooden planks to avoid detection.

During the operation, law enforcement officials arrested one suspect, while two others managed to flee the scene. The operation involved collaboration between Guyana’s police, military, and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

“We are pleased to have the DEA with us, sharing information and intelligence,” Minister Benn remarked. “Guyana is a victim of this illegal activity. We don’t produce cocaine; we don’t transit it.” This statement underscores the country’s positioning as a target for drug trafficking organizations rather than a participant.

The seized drugs were found in a region where police have previously uncovered improvised submersible vessels, commonly referred to as “narco subs.” Recent reports have not confirmed whether any of these submarines were in use, but authorities have expressed intentions to increase monitoring efforts in the area.

Just a few weeks ago, Interpol reported the interception of a homemade “narco sub” located in a jungle in Guyana. This vessel had the capacity to transport up to 3 tons of cocaine at once and highlighted how traffickers maneuver semisubmersibles through South American rivers before making their way across the Atlantic to Western Europe.

This semi-submersible was part of a larger seizure that included a staggering 615 tons of illegal drugs and 505 tons of precursor chemicals valued at approximately $1.6 billion. Authorities also confiscated 65 stolen cars in operations spanning 31 different countries, illustrating the extensive reach of these trafficking networks.

Semi-submersibles have gained popularity among international drug traffickers due to their ability to evade detection. Although these vessels do not fully submerge, they can often navigate under the radar of authorities. Instances of interception have shown these subs being seized in Colombian waters while en route to destinations including the United States, Central America, and Europe.

Earlier this summer, Colombian Navy officials announced the seizure of two semi-submersible vessels off the Pacific coast, which collectively contained nearly 5 tons of cocaine destined for Central America. At that time, authorities indicated that they had intercepted 13 such submarines in just the first half of 2024, following the seizure of 20 subs throughout the entire year of 2023.

The efforts to combat drug trafficking are ongoing, with various agencies working diligently to disrupt these criminal operations. The collaboration between local authorities in Guyana and international entities like the DEA is crucial in the fight against narco-terrorism and the extensive networks that facilitate the illegal drug trade.

This most recent seizure in Guyana reflects not only the dedication of law enforcement to tackling drug trafficking but also underscores the complexity of the issues at hand. As traffickers adapt and evolve their methods, cooperation among nations remains critical.

Source: AFP