Drug Cartels Turn to Mini-Subs for Transport

The use of mini-subs to transport cocaine and other drugs into the United States is increasing - proof that methods to combat other methods of transportation (greater border enforcement, fighting FARC in Colombia and the cartels in Mexico, etc) are working. As a sign of growing U.S. adaptability to cartel methods, Congress passed the Drug Trafficking Vessel Interdiction Act in 2008, which allows people operating or embarking in a submersible or semi-submersible vessel without nationality and on an international voyage to be charged with a felony. Defendents can face up to 15 years in prison.