Self-propelled semi-submersibles the next great threat to regional security and stability
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Authors
Watkins, Lance J.
Subjects
Self-Propelled Semi-Submersibles
Drug Trafficking Organizations
cocaine
go-fast boats
transit routes
Terrorism
drug smuggling
Colombia
counter tactics
drug trafficking
Self-Propelled Fully-Submersibles
Drug Trafficking Organizations
cocaine
go-fast boats
transit routes
Terrorism
drug smuggling
Colombia
counter tactics
drug trafficking
Self-Propelled Fully-Submersibles
Advisors
Porch, Douglas
Date of Issue
2011-06
Date
Publisher
Monterey, CA; Naval Postgraduate School
Language
Abstract
The most effective and fastest-evolving delivery system for cocaine to move from its place of production in Colombia to the United States market has undoubtedly become the Self-Propelled Semi-Submersible (SPSS). Often called "drug subs" or "narco submarines," SPSSs are used to transport cocaine from Colombia's Pacific coast into Central America and Mexico, then overland to the United States. This thesis begins with an examination of the evolution of the illegal narcotics trade in Colombia since the 1990s. It examines the actions of United States government (USG) and Government of Colombia (GOC) to counter the production and transportation of illegal drugs through fumigation, manual eradication, air-bridge denial and maritime interdiction strategies. The success of these strategies has caused Drug Trafficking Organizations (DTOs) to develop and launch SPSSs, and now self-propelled fully submersibles (SPFSs). The increasing sophistication and range of the SPSS/SPFS have given rise to at least two fears: first, that cocaine may be transported straight onto U.S. shores by boats that are practically impossible to detect. Second, that a terrorist group will use SPSS/SPFS to transport Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMDs) into the United States and other nations.
Type
Thesis
Description
Series/Report No
Department
National Security Affairs (NSA)
Organization
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Identifiers
NPS Report Number
Sponsors
Funder
Format
xiv, 69 p. : chiefly col. ill. ;
Citation
Distribution Statement
Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
Rights
This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. Copyright protection is not available for this work in the United States.