I am not sure why, but a recent news item from Columbia set my mind racing about submarines. The story was about Colombian soldiers seizing a fully submersible drug-smuggling submarine capable of reaching the coast of Mexico, and reminded me of how determined and devious drug smugglers can be. The story is even more astonishing because previous drug-carrying vessels found in Colombia were only semi-submersible, with part of the structure always remaining above the surface. However, the submarine recently discovered could operate completely underwater, and was estimated that it could hold eight tons of drugs.

Apparently, the submarine could submerge up to three metres deep and was equipped with a five-metre periscope and had the ability to travel to the coast of Mexico without surfacing, a journey taking eight to nine days. It was a heavy investment for the drug smugglers, as the submarine had taken six to eight months to build at a cost of about 1,500,000 euros. Colombia has seized at least 32 semi-submersible vessels designed to smuggle drugs in recent years, including a dozen last year.

All this puts into context the number of pensioners who have been caught smuggling drugs from the Canary Islands in recent months. Apparently, drug smugglers prefer to recruit elderly and disabled people to carry out their drug running operations, because no-one would suspect an elderly, innocent-looking granny of carrying drugs in her bra, or that smart looking elderly gentleman of carrying a supply in his colostomy bag! Maybe a submarine is the next logical step for the determined smuggler?

Talking of submarines, the recent Wikileaks revelations suggest that the US Government approached the Spanish Government via their embassy in Madrid with the suggestion that Las Palmas could be developed as a useful port for the American fleet, and with a view to an increased US presence in Africa. In addition, it seems that there were also suggestions that the current military cooperation agreement was adjusted to include Las Palmas on the list of ports authorised to host nuclear submarines. Understandably perhaps, the Spanish government has refused to comment on such revelations.

Can you imagine nuclear subs ducking and diving off our islands? Well, maybe they do already. Finally, if you do enjoy deep sea diving or scuba diving, just be very careful where you put your flippers.

From 'Expat Survival' by Barrie Mahoney

ISBN: 978-0992767167

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