US Sanctions Six Drug Traffickers Using Submarines for Cocaine Smuggling

Six individuals accused of operating “drug submarines” to smuggle large quantities of cocaine have been sanctioned by the US Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control. This group includes two Colombians, Manuel Salazar Gutierrez and Eason Andres Sanchez Vallejo, along with four nationals from Guyana: Randolph Duncan, Himnurs Saw, Mark Cromwell, and Paul Davey Jr. They are alleged to have facilitated the transport of tons of cocaine from South America to various destinations, including the US, Europe, and the Caribbean.

Deputy Chief Secretary Michael Faulkenker remarked that under President Trump, the administration had focused on securing the nation’s borders more than ever. This certainly invokes some thoughts about ongoing strategies and priorities.

According to officials, Duncan and Davey are regarded as major drug lords in Guyana. They are believed to employ semi-submersible submarines and aircraft to transport drugs while bribing government officials for assistance. Sawh, a police officer in Guyana, is implicated in facilitating the transport of drug traffickers from Venezuela and Mexico. Meanwhile, Cromwell, another former police officer, is being pursued for previous activities involving a fellow cop.

Colombians Salazar and Sanchez are described as key players who oversee cocaine flights from Colombia to Guyana, contributing significantly to the smuggling operation. It’s quite concerning how these networks seem to operate, really.

In a related matter, back in March 2025, authorities discovered a freighter carrying 400 pounds of cocaine off the coast of Trinidad and Tobago, with some packaging linked to the Sinaloa Cartel. Last year, a substantial 5,200 pounds of cocaine was confiscated in a similar operation off Guyana.

The Treasury stated that all assets owned or controlled by these individuals in the US are now blocked. This move comes as authorities ramp up efforts to dismantle narco submarines traveling through the jungles of Guyana, which reportedly transport unprecedented amounts of drugs. Corruption at the border is highlighted as a significant challenge in combatting drug trafficking.

The Treasury emphasized that Guyana is an important ally in the fight against drugs, though its corruption presents considerable hurdles. Faulkenberger noted that the department will continue collaborating with law enforcement and the Guyanese government to disrupt cartel operations wherever they exist.

This ongoing battle against drug trafficking raises a lot of questions about the effectiveness of current strategies and what else might be needed moving forward.