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More Than 2 Tons Of Cocaine Seized From Submarine

SAN DIEGO (CBSLA) — A U.S. Coast Guard crew based out of California seized more than 5,600 pounds of cocaine from a submarine in the Pacific Ocean last month, authorities said Thursday.

The crew intercepted the self-propelled semi-submersible (SPSS) - which authorities say was laden with more than $73 million worth of cocaine - off the Central America coast Sept. 6.

Five suspected drug smugglers were also apprehended, officials said.

So far in 2016, the Coast Guard says the agency has encountered six SPSS vessels, which are typically constructed for drug trafficking with a mostly submerged hull, while a cockpit and exhaust pipe are visible just above the water.ear 2016.

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