Colombian drug dealers sick of getting busted by law enforcement have come up with numerous ways to transport their contraband to foreign shores. They used automobiles with secret compartments, human drug "mules," high-speed aircraft and boats. Now, they're trying their luck with submarines.
The submarine, which had 10 tonnes of cocaine on board with a US street value of $200m (£120m), was stopped by the coast guard some 280km (175 miles) off Guatemala's Pacific coast.
Four Colombians and one Mexican man on board the vessel were arrested.
The Mexican trafficking cartels are increasingly moving drugs via neighbouring Guatemala in a bid to ensure safe supply lines north following a crackdown launched by Mexico's President Felipe Calderon.
At least two other submarine-like vessels have been found by anti-drug patrols in the waters around Central America.
Drugs smugglers often use such makeshift vessels - constructed in steel and fibreglass - as they are difficult to detect using a conventional radar. The subs, which can cost up to $1m each, are often sunk after use.
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