An unusual underwater drone resembling a miniature car was discovered last week in the Strait of Gibraltar. The device was spotted by the crew of the Salvamento Marítimo vessel, after which a Civil Guard patrol boat arrived at the scene. According to EL PAÍS, the device contained no drugs, but its design and technical characteristics suggest possible use for transporting illegal substances.
Details of the discovery
The homemade drone was partially submerged, with its sides almost level with the surface. The device measures about 2.5 meters in length and 1.25 meters in width, comparable to a jet ski. Its body is made of dark materials, and the top part features a rectangular protrusion with a white plate, presumably a high-precision GPS antenna. Also visible on the body are rod antennas and a transparent hemispherical dome protecting a sensor or antenna.
Technical specifications
Inside the drone, a protected electronic compartment was found with numerous interconnected components. Among them was a module marked CAN PMU, typically used to power unmanned vehicles. Traces of white sealant, tape, and a USB connector were also seen in the compartment. According to experts, such a device is capable of carrying up to 200 kilograms of cargo, despite no drugs being found at the time of discovery.
Context and similar cases
The use of homemade underwater drones to transport drugs has been reported before on the coast of Cadiz. In 2022, police dismantled a group manufacturing such devices in workshops in Castellar de la Frontera. At that time, three unmanned mini-submarines designed for similar cargo capacity were seized. One of these drones was displayed at the Algeciras police station. As noted by EL PAÍS, the device recently discovered combines modern technology with simple, even crude design elements.
Combating drug trafficking
Organized crime continues to seek new ways to deliver drugs to Spain, using both unmanned devices and speedboats. This week, it was reported that a narco-boat was intercepted off the coast of Huelva with 4 tons of hashish on board. The crew of four was arrested after a chase during which part of the cargo and fuel were dumped into the sea. Police note that such incidents are becoming increasingly frequent, and smugglers’ technical solutions are growing more sophisticated.
