Authorities intercept $200 million in cocaine heading to US on mini-submarine
Agents detected and arrested the suspects on March 2
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Texas authorities have intercepted a semi-submersible vessel attempting to bring $200 million in cocaine into the United States.
US Customs and Border Protection agents aboard a surveillance aircract detected the vessel along the Eastern Pacific ocean. Agents arrested four people who operated the self-propelled vessel. The mini-sub was carrying 12,800 pounds (5.5 tons) of cocaine and began to sink after the raid on March 2.
“This type of cooperation and teamwork produces these kinds of results where suspects are arrested and narcotics prevented from reaching U.S. shores,” John Wassong, director at the National Air Security Operations Center, said in a statement on Thursday. “Our crews will continue to take every opportunity to disrupt this type of transnational criminal activity.”
In 2015, US Customs and Border Protection agents completed 198 seizures, disruptions and interdiction events, confiscating 213,000 pounds of cocaine during the fiscal year.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments