U.S. Cracks Down on Narco Sub Cocaine Ring Threatening Borders

In a bold move to combat the rising tide of drug trafficking, the U.S. Treasury Department has imposed sanctions on six alleged drug traffickers from Colombia and Guyana, accused of funneling massive quantities of cocaine into the United States, Europe, and the Caribbean. These individuals, identified as Manuel Salazar Gutierrez, Yeison Andres Sanchez Vallejo, Randolph Duncan, Himnauth Sawh, Mark Cromwell, and Paul Daby Jr., are said to operate a sophisticated network using narco submarines and aircraft to smuggle drugs across borders.

The operation paints a grim picture of Guyana’s role as a transit hub, with officials pointing to corruption and proximity to the Caribbean as key enablers for these criminal enterprises. Two of the sanctioned individuals, Daby Jr. and Duncan, are allegedly at the helm of Guyana’s largest drug trafficking organizations, bribing local officials to facilitate their illicit trade. Meanwhile, Sawh, a current Guyanese police officer, and Cromwell, a former officer, are accused of aiding traffickers and even engaging in violent crimes, including the abduction of a fellow officer.

On the Colombian side, Salazar and Sanchez are reportedly managing airstrips to transport cocaine from their homeland to Guyana, forming a critical link in this international chain. The Treasury’s actions underscore a broader push to disrupt these networks, with Deputy Secretary Michael Faulkender emphasizing a commitment to targeting cartels and their affiliates relentlessly.

Recent seizures highlight the scale of the problem. Just this year, authorities intercepted a cargo vessel off Trinidad and Tobago carrying 400 pounds of cocaine, branded with the Toyota logo—a signature of the notorious Sinaloa Cartel. Last year, a staggering 5,200 pounds of cocaine were seized from a narco sub near Guyana’s coast, a testament to the audacity and resources of these operations.

As narco subs glide through Guyana’s dense jungles, carrying record amounts of cocaine, the challenge for law enforcement grows. Despite Guyana being a partner in this fight, a 2025 State Department report flags corruption as a major hurdle. The message from the U.S. is clear: no corner of this criminal web is safe from scrutiny, and the fight to secure borders and communities continues with unrelenting force.