from www.nypost.com – This is more like 20,000 kilos under the sea.
Authorities seized a stealth submarine in Ecuador that was built for smuggling tons of cocaine.
Officials believe this is the first time an underwater vessel has been built to carry illegal drugs.
The fully operational, 100-foot sub had a periscope, air conditioning and an enclosed observation deck, authorities said.
The craft was discovered in a remote jungle area and was set to make its maiden voyage when Ecuadorian authorities, along with the Drug Enforcement Administration, moved in Friday.
The first trip was scheduled for this Friday, sources said.
The sub was painted in blue and green camouflage and was docked in a canal near Ecuador’s border with Colombia.
“The advent of the narco-submarine presents new detection challenges for maritime interdiction forces,” said DEA official Jay Bergman.
“The submarine’s nautical range, payload capacity and quantum leap in stealth have raised the stakes for the counter-drug forces and the national-security community alike,” he said.
Meanwhile, airport officials in Colombia seized a replica World Cup trophy made out of 24 pounds of cocaine.
The 14-inch high statue was painted gold with green stripes and was being shipped to Madrid.