Buenaventura, Colombia – A routine underwater inspection at a Pacific port turned into a major drug-interdiction success after Colombian naval divers discovered more than 450 pounds of cocaine attached beneath a merchant ship preparing to sail for Europe. Officials confirmed the discovery Tuesday, calling it another example of the increasingly sophisticated smuggling methods used by international trafficking networks.
The navy stated that the Europe-bound vessel was undergoing a security sweep when the narcotics were found hidden in sealed bundles fastened to the ship’s hull. According to a detailed report shared by Colombia’s navy, divers from the Buenaventura Coast Guard Station spotted seven suspicious bags secured underwater. Each bag contained tightly packed blocks of the illegal substance.
Underwater Inspection Leads to Significant Drug Seizure
Military officials explained that routine checks of outbound cargo ships have become essential due to an uptick in attempts to smuggle drugs through commercial maritime routes. During the inspection, divers followed standard investigative patterns, searching the hull, propellers and ballast areas.
Navy personnel released images showing divers working beneath the ship and dozens of packaged narcotics spread out on port grounds following the seizure. Authorities believe the drugs were attached covertly before the vessel’s departure.
Trafficking Trends and Recent Drug Interceptions
The most recent seizure follows a surge in maritime trafficking attempts along Colombia’s Pacific corridor. Just days earlier, the navy announced the confiscation of more than seven tons of narcotics from two speedboats and a semi-submersible craft, often referred to as a “narco-sub.”
Officials shared photographs and video from that separate operation, showing detained vessels, floating packages and suspected traffickers being pulled from the water.
Key patterns emerging in these operations include:
- Increased use of semi-submersible vessels to evade aerial detection
- Larger quantities of cocaine being trafficked in single shipments
Political Tensions and International Response
This latest interception comes amid heightened political tension between Colombia and the United States. Last month, the Trump administration announced sanctions against Colombian President Gustavo Petro and several of his family members, accusing the administration of allowing drug cartels to operate freely.
The sanctions followed disagreements over U.S. migrant deportations and American military strikes on suspected drug-carrying boats in South American waters.
In an interview with CBS News, Petro repeatedly criticised the U.S. actions, claiming some strikes resulted in the death of innocent civilians.
He said:
“Killing the business’ workers is easy. But if you want to be effective, you have to capture the bosses of the business.”
The White House has maintained that its maritime actions are lawful and that no civilians were targeted.
Ongoing Debate Over Counter-Narcotics Strategy
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) estimates that about 90% of the cocaine entering the United States originates from Colombia, emphasising the region’s central role in global drug production and distribution. Former President Trump has continued to blame Petro’s government for failing to curb cartel activity, while Petro argues that long-term solutions require structural reforms, not lethal force.
Colombian officials say discoveries like the 450-pound haul demonstrate ongoing efforts to disrupt smuggling networks. Authorities believe that the interception prevented millions of dollars’ worth of cocaine from reaching European markets.
Final Takeaway
The discovery of hundreds of pounds of cocaine beneath a commercial ship underscores both the scale of international drug trafficking and the challenges faced by law-enforcement agencies. As political tensions rise and smuggling methods evolve, maritime inspections remain one of Colombia’s most effective tools in curbing the global drug pipeline.
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