From correspondents in Americas, 04:36 PM IST

Colombian authorities have seized a homemade submarine allegedly used by drug traffickers for smuggling in Pacific waters in the north western Choco province on the Panamanian border.

'This type of boat had a capacity to transport approximately four tonnes of cocaine hydrochloride in its interior,' the Colombian Navy said in a statement Wednesday.

The vessel is the third submarine seized by Colombian authorities on the Pacific coast.

Four people were arrested, and the authorities also seized a radio, a portable energy generator and other elements.

According to the official source, drug gangs have used this and other methods to transport illegal substances to destinations in Central and North America.

(Staff Writer, © IANS)