Key Takeaways
1. A sea drone capable of carrying 1.5 tons of cocaine was seized by the Colombian Navy, marking its first use in Latin America.
2. These narco submarines are semi-submersible, with only air vents and antennas above water; smaller unmanned versions have been found in the Mediterranean.
3. The seized drone utilized a Starlink satellite communication system, featuring antennas and cameras for live video transmission.
4. Cartels may be testing the Starlink system, as the captured drone was empty and found near Colombia’s Caribbean coast.
5. The discovery signals an advancement in drug trafficking methods, with Starlink enhancing the logistical capabilities of cartels.
A sea drone, which can carry as much as 1.5 tons of cocaine, was seized by the Colombian Navy while navigating the Caribbean coast for the first time, utilizing Starlink for guidance.
Narco Subs and Their Design
These drones, referred to as narco submarines, are actually semi-submersible craft with only the air vents and communication antennas above the surface, while smaller unmanned versions have mainly been seized in the Mediterranean region.
Impressive Technology Used
The Colombian authorities were taken aback by the size of the first narco sea drone found in Latin America, as well as its use of a Starlink satellite communication system, which features two antennas and cameras capable of sending live video from the engine compartment or the drone’s environment.
Navy Admiral Juan Ricardo Rozo stated, “this shows an advancement in the logistical abilities of drug trafficking, which is trying to go beyond traditional methods through creativity and very adaptable techniques.”
Testing New Systems
It appears that the cartels might be conducting test operations to assess how well the Starlink guidance system works, since the drone was empty and was captured close to Colombia’s Caribbean coastline.
The Starlink Maritime plan for satellite internet access on open waters starts at just $250 each month, and the Performance dish equipment is currently reduced from $1,499 to $999. Although this is significantly more than the Starlink Mini kit, which is on sale for $314 at Amazon, the cartels likely don’t prioritize cost.
Capabilities in Coastal Waters
Additionally, the Mini dish remains functional in coastal regions within the Starlink roaming coverage area, offering speeds up to 100 mph.
Ultimately, the discovery of the first Starlink-guided narco sea drone, even though it was empty and just undergoing a test run, indicates that trafficking techniques are becoming more advanced, with Starlink being just another asset in this illegal trade.
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