A joint operation between the United States and Colombia on Monday, February 9, 2026, resulted in the seizure of nearly 10 tons of cocaine and the arrest of four crew members aboard a narco-submarine. The successful operation underscores the ongoing international effort to disrupt the flow of illegal drugs.
According to the State Department, the operation took place in international waters with support from Colombian armed forces. Authorities subsequently destroyed the seized cocaine, estimated to be worth approximately $441 million.
“Colombian security forces executed a joint operation to interdict this narco-submarine,” the State Department said in a post on X. “Strong alliances deliver decisive results,” the department added.
Bilateral Relations in Focus
The operation comes just a week after Colombian President Gustavo Petro completed an official visit with his U.S. Counterpart, Donald Trump, in Washington. The visit was aimed at easing tensions and rebuilding the bilateral relationship following recent diplomatic disagreements. Details of the meeting between the two leaders were reported last week.
Since August 2025, the United States has conducted a series of operations targeting drug-trafficking vessels in the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea as part of Operation Southern Lanza.
Unlike previous operations, which have resulted in over 100 fatalities, this joint effort prioritized the apprehension of the crew for prosecution. This approach signals a shift towards a more judicial resolution in combating narco-trafficking.
rr efe/caracol/semana
