Senate targets “coke subs”
Senate targets “coke subs”
The Senate last night passed a law aimed at stopping the use of self-propelled submersible and semi-submersible vessels without nationality as illegal and a threat to U.S. security.
The Drug Trafficking Vessel Interdiction Act, S. 3598, comes in response to drug smugglers having developed a new method of trafficking narcotics into the United States with the use of self-propelled semi-submersible or “SPSS” vessels. SPSS vessels are capable of operating below the surface of the water. Traffickers began using SPSS vessels in the early 1990s, but at that time the vessels’ travel distance was limited. With advances in ship building capabilities, traffickers have been able to build vessels that can carry much larger loads and travel greater distances. Current routes used by traffickers operating SPSS vessels allow them to leave from both coasts of South America and travel to the United States.
Congress said the threat created by SPSS vessels is rapidly growing. From fiscal year 2001 through fiscal 2007, 23 incidents involving SPSS vessels were known to have occurred. In fiscal year 2008 a whopping 29 incidents have occurred.
The Coast Guard estimated that “SPSS are responsible for the movement of nearly 32 percent of all cocaine” between Colombia and the United States. SPSS operators sink their vessels when law enforcement approaches. This affects the ability to prosecute as well as the rate of removal and seizures.
The bill establishes civil and criminal penalties for violating the law and defines what is considered a submersible or semi-submersible vessel without nationality and would prohibit individuals from operating such a vessel. It would designate their operation as a threat to national security.
