

The globalized world in which we live provides amazing opportunities for innovation; but with these opportunities comes the threat that violent non-state organizations can take advantage of these same innovations for their nefarious activities. Drug smuggling provides a clear example of this. For drug traffickers, technological advances have occurred in reaction to improved interdiction capabilities by the authorities. One notable example is the design and use of narco-submarines — a term which refers to a wide range of vessels, from artisanal submersibles to very sophisticated electric vessels capable of multi-day submerged transits. This chapter addresses three questions: First, is it possible for terrorist organizations to use illegal submersibles? Although the answer likely depends on the location of the terrorist organization and the intended target, in general, this is unlikely because of the costs associated with acquiring these vessels. Second, this chapter examines the lessons-learned from the Colombian experience in the fight against maritime crime. To this point, the chapter argues that management, and particularly logistical management, is criminal organizations’ main strength. Finally, this chapter examines the types of actions that can be taken by the international community. In this respect the Colombian experience could not be more clear: international cooperation is the answer.