America News Agency

Part of this global record was seized on a "narco-submarine" traveling to Australia along a new drug smuggling route.

During the six-week Orion Operation, law enforcement and organizations from 62 countries intercepted six semi-submersible vessels loaded with cocaine and confiscated over 1,400 tons of drugs, including more than 1,000 tons of marijuana.

According to UN estimates, 2,700 tons of cocaine are produced globally every year, and Colombia’s annual seizure record was 671 tons in 2022. The capture of 225 tons represents a significant blow to Latin American cartels’ operations.

Captain Manuel Rodríguez, head of the Colombian Navy’s anti-drug unit, stated: "Even considering the large quantities of drugs exported from the region, this represents a substantial portion of the cocaine trade. This will prevent thousands of overdose deaths and deprive cartels of $8.5 billion in revenue, undoubtedly impacting their profits."

The operation lasted 45 days, stopping illegal arms shipments, capturing migrant smugglers, and involving over 400 arrests with the participation of institutions from the US, EU, and Australia.