Catapult Used to Smuggle Drugs

Mexican drug smugglers have once again made the headlines, this time due to their newest transporting technique. According to ABC news , a border patrol camera captured several suspected drug traffickers flinging packages of marijuana over the US-Mexico border. The men were using what looked like a medieval-style catapult to propel the drugs over the fence.

Border patrol agents contacted their Mexican counterparts and the men subsequently fled the scene before Mexican drug officials could apprehend them. On a positive note, Mexican officials were able to secure the drugs left behind by the suspects, their car, and the catapult they were using.

This isn't the first time drug dealers have left us astonished with their industriousness. Last November, the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), discovered a 1,800 ft tunnel used to transport Mexican drugs into the US. The tunnel linked a warehouse in California to another in Tijuana, allowing drug smugglers to transport drugs and people freely between both nations. Thanks to the discovery, DEA officials were able to seize 30 tons of cannabis, estimated at around $20 million.

As unusual as using a catapult or digging a tunnel between two countries are, they are not the most technologically advanced techniques drug smugglers have come up with. Several years ago, authorities in Costa Rica stumbled upon a 50 ft submarine loaded with cocaine. In an interesting twist, it turned out the submarine was actually made by the drug smugglers themselves. Made out of wood and fiberglass, the submarine was capable of operating 6ft below the surface. Luckily for the authorities, they were able to spot one of the breathing pipes installed on the submarine, and apprehend all four passengers on board. They also recovered 3 tons of cocaine.

Some unusual drug trafficking stories simply make one laugh and wonder what goes through the minds of these smugglers. Such is the case of the 32-year-old Guatemalan apprehended by officials at Dulles airport. While having his belongings inspected, officials found 60 grams of cocaine hidden inside a cooked chicken. While the amount of cocaine isn't something law enforcement would consider significant, it was another indicator of just how far smugglers are willing to go in order to get drugs into the country.

With drug smugglers constantly improving their smuggling techniques, law enforcement officials have their work cut out for them. If only some of these smugglers would turn their creativity into more positive outlets, they could end up living decent lives without having to deal with the constant pressure of law enforcement.

Sources:
Jessica Hopper, " Drug smugglers use catapult to launch ..." ABC News
MNBC news services, " Submarine with cocaine seized off Costa Rica " MNBC
Huma Khan, " Man arrested for cocaine in chicken " ABC News