Colombian naval forces have uncovered a bold new drug trafficking strategy, intercepting multiple semi-submersible vessels attempting to transport cocaine directly to Australia across the Pacific Ocean.
The latest interception occurred 1,200 miles southwest of Clipperton Island, where authorities seized a wood and fiberglass vessel that had departed from Colombia's port of Tumaco. The craft was specifically designed to make the lengthy trans-Pacific journey without refueling stops.
According to Vice-Admiral Orlando Enrique Grisales, this marks the third such vessel intercepted along this newly discovered route. Navigation maps found aboard the first captured submarine helped authorities identify Australia as the intended destination, leading to increased cooperation between Colombian and Australian law enforcement.
The economic incentive for traffickers is clear - cocaine can sell for up to $240,000 per kilogram in Australia, six times higher than U.S. street prices. This premium has apparently motivated criminal organizations to attempt the risky direct maritime route.
These interceptions were part of Operation Orion, a multinational effort involving dozens of countries. The six-week operation resulted in the seizure of 225 tonnes of cocaine and over 400 arrests across multiple nations.
Vice-Admiral Grisales revealed that the operation exposed deep connections between South American drug cartels and organized crime networks in Oceania, highlighting the global nature of drug trafficking operations.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro has praised the navy's success in disrupting this emerging smuggling corridor. The discoveries suggest traffickers are actively developing new routes to reach lucrative markets, presenting ongoing challenges for international law enforcement.