The US Coast Guard has intercepted a submarine carrying more than US$165 million (NZ$260 million) worth of cocaine bound for US shores.
Four people were also arrested and charged with drug smuggling.
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The bust, by the Coast Guard Cutter Valiant, took place in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, in early September, according to a news release published by the coast guard on Tuesday (local time).
In total, there were around five tonnes of drugs, with coast guard agents managing to remove around one tonne but having to leave the rest due to "stability concerns of the vessel".
"There are no words to describe the feeling Valiant crew is experiencing right now,” said Commander Matthew Waldron, the Valiant’s Commanding Officer. "In a 24-hour period, the crew both crossed the equator and intercepted a drug-laden self-propelled semi-submersible vessel."
The bust was made in the early hours of the morning, when two small boats carrying tactical teams were dispatched from the Valiant to board the submarine.
The coast guard said it also had help from the Colombian navy in the operation.
Newshub.
