The Rise of Narco-Submarines in European Drug Trafficking

The plummeting price of cocaine has led to a significant shift in drug trafficking methods, particularly the reuse of "narco-submarines" by traffickers. According to Alberto Morales, head of the central narcotics brigade of the Spanish Policía Nacional, the wholesale price of cocaine has halved to approximately €15,000 (£13,000) per kilogram, prompting traffickers to reconsider their operational strategies. Previously, these semi-submersible vessels were scuttled after delivering their cargo from South America to Europe, but now they are being repurposed for multiple trips. Morales noted, “Rather than sink them, what they do now is unload the merchandise and set up a refuelling platform at sea.”

The Guardian

Spanish authorities reported a notable increase in cocaine seizures, with 123 tonnes confiscated in the last year, up from 118 tonnes in 2023 and 58 tonnes in 2022. This uptick in narco-submarine activity is accompanied by a decline in the use of sailboats for drug transport. Morales indicated that while only ten narco-subs have been officially logged since their detection in European waters in 2006, the actual number is likely higher due to the extensive 8,000 km coastline of Spain.

The Guardian

In addition to the rise in narco-submarines, there has been a marked increase in the dismantling of synthetic drug laboratories across Spain. Authorities have reported more amphetamine, methamphetamine, and MDMA labs dismantled in the past two years than in the previous 18 years combined. The trend indicates a geographical shift in drug production from the Netherlands to countries like Spain, France, and Germany, where drug gangs can operate with greater security and less oversight. A senior officer remarked, “There are laboratories all over the place – especially in rural areas where there aren’t many people.”

The Guardian

Despite the increased efforts to combat drug trafficking, critics argue that law enforcement agencies may be struggling to keep pace with the evolving tactics of drug traffickers. The use of drones for surveillance by drug gangs and the establishment of local networks to monitor police activity complicate enforcement efforts. Morales acknowledged the challenges, stating, “We can’t detect everything that reaches the Spanish coast.”

The Guardian

Spanish police have emphasized the need for heightened vigilance and resources to address the growing sophistication of drug trafficking operations. Morales highlighted the importance of international cooperation in tackling these issues, given the transnational nature of drug trafficking.

The Guardian

As drug trafficking methods continue to evolve, Spanish authorities are likely to intensify their focus on both narco-submarines and synthetic drug production facilities. Ongoing investigations and international collaborations will be crucial in addressing the challenges posed by these illicit activities.

The Guardian