In recent years, the use of semi-submersibles for drug trafficking has shifted from being viewed as a myth to a recognized modus operandi utilized by South American cocaine cartels.

This transformation was notably underscored in 2019 when Spanish authorities seized a narco-submarine carrying 3,000 kilograms of cocaine, confirming the existence of an underwater trafficking route from South America to Europe.

The semi-submersible, measuring 22 meters in length, was piloted by a former amateur boxing champion from Spain named Agustin Alvarez, alongside two Ecuadorian crew members.

Each of the crew members received sentences of 11 years in prison in 2022 for their involvement.

The vessel made a 28-day journey from Brazil to the coast of Galicia, where it was designed to submerge just below the water's surface, making it difficult to detect.

The cocaine, valued at more than €90 million (approximately $146 million at the time), was stored in the front of the vessel, and the plan was to sink the sub after unloading the cargo onto fishing boats.

The port of Galicia has emerged as a significant gateway for cocaine entering Europe, with authorities intercepting approximately 90 tonnes of cocaine in 2023 alone—double the amount seized in 2022. While over two-thirds of the seizures were found inside shipping containers, drug traffickers are employing increasingly sophisticated methods to evade detection.

Fernando Iglesias, the customs chief in Galicia, emphasized the challenges posed by the rising prevalence of narco-subs in the region, stating the need to monitor everything in their waters.

Despite having access to helicopters and speedboats, the Spanish authorities faced limitations in pursuing vessels over long distances, as their resources were primarily designed for coastal protection.

Narco-subs are becoming a global phenomenon, with established routes from South America to various international destinations.

An example of this was seen in November 2024, when Colombian authorities captured a narco-sub during an extensive international operation named Orion, which involved collaboration between 62 countries.

Local drug traffickers, such as Luis (a pseudonym), claim that narco-subs have been arriving in Galicia since 1998, estimating that around €1 billion ($1.7 billion) worth of cocaine could be entering the European market annually through these vessels.

According to him, only a small portion of the drugs remains in Spain, with the majority distributed throughout Europe.

Amidst this escalating drug trafficking situation, local communities are grappling with the adverse effects of increased cartel influence.

Manuel Couceiro, a priest and president of the Galician Foundation against Drug Trafficking, reported a worrying rise in violent incidents associated with these cartels, including disappearances linked to settling scores.

Spain ranks among the highest in the world for cocaine consumption, a situation exacerbated by youth unemployment rates, which rank among the highest in the European Union.

This economic climate has contributed to the allure of drug trafficking as a means of livelihood.

Santiago De Dios, a Galician man, is among those affected personally by the drug trafficking crisis, having sought answers for two years regarding the disappearance of his son Ismael during a cocaine transport operation from Colombia to Spain.

Reports suggest that young individuals involved in such operations face significant risks, including potential violence from cartel retribution.

As the situation evolves, communities remain vigilant against the pervasive threat of drug trafficking and its many implications.