In a first for Colombia, authorities have intercepted an unmanned narco-submarine equipped with Starlink satellite technology, capable of transporting 1.5 tonnes of cocaine.
The Colombian Navy announced on July 2 the unprecedented seizure of a remotely operated semi-submersible near the northern city of Santa Marta. The vessel, fitted with a satellite antenna from Starlink, is designed for drug trafficking operations and could potentially carry up to 1.5 tonnes of cocaine.
While no drugs were found onboard, officials believe the vessel belonged to the Clan del Golfo, Colombia’s largest drug cartel, and that the operation was likely a test run for future smuggling missions.
Sophisticated technology challenges maritime security
The Colombian Navy revealed that the semi-submersible was equipped with advanced technology specifically designed to avoid radar detection. Admiral Juan Ricardo Rozo, commander of the Navy, described the discovery as part of Operation Orion, an international initiative targeting maritime drug trafficking.
“This shows that criminal groups are adopting increasingly sophisticated systems, posing a growing challenge to international maritime security,” Admiral Rozo stated during a press conference.
Images released by the Navy depict a grey semi-submersible with a satellite antenna mounted at the bow. A Navy spokesperson confirmed to AFP that the antenna was produced by Starlink, the satellite internet company owned by Elon Musk.
Cartels investing in autonomous smuggling vessels
Experts say powerful Mexican cartels operating in Colombia have been developing unmanned submarines since at least 2017. According to Juana Cabezas, a researcher at Colombia’s Institute for Development and Peace Studies (Indepaz), cartels have recruited engineers and technology specialists to design these vessels.
“The goal is to have submarines capable of crossing the Pacific, unloading cocaine automatically, and allowing other unmanned submarines to pick up the cargo,” Cabezas explained.
Semi-submersibles, partially submerged to evade detection, are notoriously difficult to trace back to the criminal networks behind them. Interceptions of these vessels reached near-record numbers in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans throughout 2024, according to US-based think tank InSight Crime.
One high-profile incident occurred in November 2024, when authorities seized a semi-submersible carrying five tonnes of Colombian cocaine en route to Australia.
Henry Shuldiner, a researcher at InSight Crime, highlighted that this latest seizure, with no drugs on board, suggests traffickers are heavily investing in research and development to refine their smuggling methods.
