Óscar Moreno Ricardo - narcosub builder

Colombia netted the country's king of drug submarines in January. Moreno Ricardo's involvement in the drug trade dates to 2005 when he piloted gofast boats. Five years ago he started manufacturing ever improving semi-submersibles. Business was excellent, Ricardo had links to several criminal groups, including Colombia's Urabeños drug clan; Colombia's National Liberation Army (ELN); and Mexico's Jalisco Cartel New Generation (CJNG).

Narcosubs require a large investment, but their advantages in maritime drug smuggling are well proven. Colombia seized 31 vessels in 2021, a jump from 23 in 2019.

See ----->DEA busts $1.5m electric narcosub