Narco sub filled with 3,800 pounds of cocaine intercepted by U.S. Coast Guard

A vessel harboring 3,800 pounds of cocaine tied to drug cartels was recovered by the U.S. Coast Guard near Panama on Nov. 13, according to a release from U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

The drugs were found in a self-propelled, semi-submersible vessel, which is a low-profile vessel designed to navigate lower in the water to avoid detection.

BRAZEN: Masked men carry ATM straight out of Houston hotel lobby

The vessel was intercepted by a U.S. Coast Guard cutter near Corpus Christi. The unidentified three-person crew was arrested and will face charges in the U.S.





See more narco subs that have been caught on camera in the gallery ahead. less A self-propelled, semi-submersible vessel carrying more than 3,800 pounds of cocaine was intercepted by U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents in November 2017.



See more narco subs that have been caught on ... more A self-propelled, semi-submersible vessel carrying more than 3,800 pounds of cocaine was intercepted by U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents in November 2017. Photo: U.S. Customs And Border Protection Photo: U.S. Customs And Border Protection Image 1 of / 12 Caption Close Narco sub filled with 3,800 pounds of cocaine intercepted by U.S. Coast Guard 1 / 12 Back to Gallery

The multi-day operation involved several agencies including the U.S. Navy, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the U.S. Coast Guard.

A federal spokesman linked the vessel to drug cartels trying to sneak cocaine into the U.S.

"The drug cartels are relentless and extremely innovative," said National Air Security Operations Center - Corpus Christi Director Allen Durham. "Interdicting self-propelled semi-submersible vessels requires expertise and the right aircraft. Air and marine operations will continue to beat the cartels at their own game to protect our borders."

Correction: Due to wording in a press release, an earlier version of this story reported the sub was intercepted near Texas. Lt. Donnie Brzuska informed Chron.com that the sub was intercepted near Panama.

Will Axford is a digital reporter for Chron.com. Read more of his stories here and follow him on Twitter.