Colombian navy divers found seven sealed bags containing more than 450 pounds of suspected cocaine hidden beneath a Europe‑bound merchant vessel at a Pacific port. The discovery follows a separate operation that seized over seven tons of drugs from speedboats and a semi‑submersible. The seizures arrive amid growing tensions with the United States, including sanctions and disputes over strikes on suspected drug vessels. U.S. agencies estimate most cocaine entering the U.S. originates in Colombia.
Colombian Divers Recover More Than 450 Pounds of Cocaine Hidden Under Europe‑Bound Ship
Colombian navy divers found seven sealed bags containing more than 450 pounds of suspected cocaine hidden beneath a Europe‑bound merchant vessel at a Pacific port. The discovery follows a separate operation that seized over seven tons of drugs from speedboats and a semi‑submersible. The seizures arrive amid growing tensions with the United States, including sanctions and disputes over strikes on suspected drug vessels. U.S. agencies estimate most cocaine entering the U.S. originates in Colombia.
09:47 PM, 11/19/2025Security
Colombian navy divers discovered more than 450 pounds (over 200 kilograms) of suspected cocaine concealed beneath a merchant vessel that was preparing to sail to Europe, authorities said.
During an underwater inspection at a Pacific coast port, a team from the Buenaventura Coast Guard Station found seven sealed, suspicious bags attached to the ship's hull. Divers recovered the packages and placed dozens of wrapped bundles on the pier for cataloguing and testing. Officials published photos showing divers lifting the packages and the seized bundles laid out at the port.
Related operations and context
The seizure follows a separate operation a few days earlier in which the navy reported confiscating more than seven tons of drugs from two speedboats and a semi‑submersible vessel, known as a "narco sub," also operating in the Pacific. Images and video released by authorities from that operation showed packages aboard vessels and suspected smugglers being detained.
Political tensions and wider implications
The recent seizures come amid heightened tensions between Colombian authorities and the United States. U.S. officials recently announced sanctions targeting President Gustavo Petro and some family members, accusing his administration of allowing drug trafficking networks to expand. Former President Donald Trump has publicly criticized Petro and blamed him for failing to rein in cartels.
In an interview in October, President Petro said some people killed in U.S. strikes on suspected drug boats were innocent civilians and argued the actions may breach international law. U.S. officials have denied that the strikes killed innocent noncombatants. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration estimates that roughly 90% of the cocaine that reaches the United States originates in Colombia.
Colombian authorities said the latest discovery is under investigation. Officials will test the seized material to confirm its composition and continue inquiries to determine how the narcotics were attached and who was responsible for the concealment.