Latest news with #Rozo
Kuwait Times
03-07-2025
- Kuwait Times
Starlink-equipped drone narco-sub seized in Colombia
BOGOTÁ, Colombia: The Colombian navy on Wednesday announced its first seizure of an unmanned narco-submarine equipped with a Starlink antenna off its Caribbean coast. The vessel was not carrying drugs, but the Colombian navy and Western security sources based in the region told AFP they believed it was a trial run by a cocaine trafficking cartel. 'It was being tested and was empty,' a naval spokeswoman confirmed to AFP. Manned semi-submersibles built in clandestine jungle shipyards have been used for decades to ferry cocaine north from Colombia, the world's biggest cocaine producer, to Central America or Mexico. But in recent years, they have been sailing much further afield, crossing the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. The latest find, announced by Admiral Juan Ricardo Rozo at a press conference, is the first reported discovery in South American waters of a drone narco-submarine. The navy said it was owned by the Gulf Clan, Colombia's largest drug trafficking group and had the capacity to transport 1.5 tons of cocaine. A video released by the navy showed a small grey vessel with a satellite antenna on the bow. This is not the first time a Starlink antenna has been used at sea by suspected drug traffickers. In November, Indian police seized a giant consignment of meth worth $4.25 billion in a vessel steered remotely by Starlink near the remote Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It was the first known discovery of a narco-submarine operated by Starlink. Cocaine production, seizures and use all hit record highs in 2023, the UN drug agency said last month. In Colombia, production has reached record levels, fuelled by surging global demand. Rozo said the use of autonomous subs reflected the traffickers 'migration toward more sophisticated unmanned systems' which are hard to detect at sea, 'difficult to track by radar and even allow criminal networks to operate with partial autonomy.' Juana Cabezas, a researcher at Colombia's Institute for Development and Peace Studies, told AFP that powerful Mexican drug cartels, who operate in Colombia, 'hired technology experts and engineers to develop an unmanned submarine' as far back as 2017. She pointed out that drone vessels made it harder for the authorities to pinpoint the drug lords behind the shipments. 'Removing the crew eliminates the risk of captured operators cooperating with authorities,' agreed Henry Shuldiner, an investigator for the US-based InSight Crime think tank, who co-authored a report on the rise of narco-subs. Shuldiner also highlighted the challenge of assembling crews to sail makeshift subs described as floating 'coffins.' A near record number of the low-profile vessels were intercepted in the Atlantic and Pacific in 2024, according to the report. In November last year, five tons of Colombian cocaine were found on a semi-submersible en route to faraway Australia. Colombian law punishes the use, construction, marketing, possession, and transportation of semi-submersibles with penalties of up to 14 years in prison. — AFP
Yahoo
03-07-2025
- Yahoo
Drone "narco sub" — equipped with Starlink antenna — seized for first time
The Colombian navy on Wednesday announced its first seizure of an unmanned "narco sub" equipped with a Starlink antenna off its Caribbean coast. The semisubmersible vessel was not carrying drugs, but the Colombian navy and Western security sources based in the region told AFP they believed it was a trial run by a cocaine trafficking cartel. "It was being tested and was empty," a naval spokeswoman confirmed to AFP. Manned semi-submersibles built in clandestine jungle shipyards have been used for decades to ferry cocaine north from Colombia, the world's biggest cocaine producer, to Central America or Mexico. But in recent years, they have been sailing much further afield, crossing the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. The latest find, announced by Admiral Juan Ricardo Rozo at a press conference, is the first reported discovery in South American waters of a drone narco sub. In May 2024, Italian police announced the seizure of a small remote-controlled sub likely intended to transport drugs as part of an international drug trafficking network. The Colombian navy said the drone semisubmersible was owned by the Gulf Clan, Colombia's largest drug trafficking group and had the capacity to transport 1.5 tons of cocaine. The Gulf Clan is one of several cartels recently designated as foreign terrorist groups by the United group's "primary source of income is from cocaine trafficking, which it uses to fund its paramilitary activities," according to the U.S. State Department. A video released by the navy showed a small grey vessel with a satellite antenna on the bow. This is not the first time a Starlink antenna has been used at sea by suspected drug traffickers. In November, Indian police seized a giant consignment of meth worth $4.25 billion in a vessel steered remotely by Starlink near the remote Andaman and Nicobar islands. It was the first known discovery of a narco sub operated by Starlink. Floating "coffins" Cocaine production, seizures and use all hit record highs in 2023, the U.N. drug agency said last month. In Colombia, production has reached record levels, fuelled by surging global demand. Rozo said the use of autonomous subs reflected the traffickers "migration toward more sophisticated unmanned systems" which are hard to detect at sea, "difficult to track by radar and even allow criminal networks to operate with partial autonomy." Juana Cabezas, a researcher at Colombia's Institute for Development and Peace Studies, told AFP that powerful Mexican drug cartels, who operate in Colombia, "hired technology experts and engineers to develop an unmanned submarine" as far back as 2017. She pointed out that drone vessels made it harder for the authorities to pinpoint the drug lords behind the shipments. "Removing the crew eliminates the risk of captured operators cooperating with authorities," agreed Henry Shuldiner, an investigator for the U.S.-based InSight Crime think tank, who co-authored a report on the rise of narco subs. Shuldiner also highlighted the challenge of assembling crews to sail makeshift subs described as floating "coffins." The journey can be deadly: In 2023, a "narco sub" with two dead bodies and nearly three tons of cocaine aboard was seized off the coast of Colombia. A near record number of the low-profile vessels were intercepted in the Atlantic and Pacific in 2024, according to the report. In November last year, five tons of Colombian cocaine were found on a semi-submersible en route to faraway Australia. Colombian law punishes the use, construction, marketing, possession, and transportation of semi-submersibles with penalties of up to 14 years in prison. Though commonly spotted off the coast of Colombia, narco subs have been intercepted across the globe in recent months. Just last week, the Mexican navy seized 3.5 tons of cocaine hidden in a semisubmersible vessel off the Pacific coast, while releasing video of the "narco sub" being intercepted. In March, Portuguese police said forces had confiscated nearly 6.5 tons of cocaine from a semi-submersible vessel off the remote Azores archipelago that was bound for the Iberian peninsula. In January, a suspected narco sub broke in two pieces as a fishing boat was towing it to a port in northwest Spain. White House reacts to June jobs report that beat expectations How can you lower your bills and save? Try these mid-year money moves for your finances. How federal budget cuts could be impacting NPS shortages
LeMonde
03-07-2025
- Business
- LeMonde
Unmanned narco-submarine equipped with Starlink seized in Colombia
The Colombian navy on Wednesday, July 2, announced its first seizure of an unmanned narco-submarine equipped with a Starlink antenna off its Caribbean coast. The vessel was not carrying drugs, but the Colombian navy and Western security sources based in the region told Agence France-Presse (AFP) they believed it was a trial run by a cocaine trafficking cartel. "It was being tested and was empty," a naval spokeswoman confirmed to AFP. Manned semi-submersibles built in clandestine jungle shipyards have been used for decades to ferry cocaine north from Colombia, the world's biggest cocaine producer, to Central America or Mexico. But in recent years, they have been sailing much further afield, crossing the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. The latest find, announced by Admiral Juan Ricardo Rozo at a press conference, is the first reported discovery in South American waters of a drone narco-submarine. The navy said it was owned by the Gulf Clan, Colombia's largest drug trafficking group and had the capacity to transport 1.5 tonnes of cocaine. A video released by the navy showed a small grey vessel with a satellite antenna on the bow. This is not the first time a Starlink antenna has been used at sea by suspected drug traffickers. In November, Indian police seized a giant consignment of meth worth $4.25 billion in a vessel steered remotely by Starlink near the remote Andaman and Nicobar islands. It was the first known discovery of a narco-submarine operated by Starlink. Rozo said the use of autonomous subs reflected the traffickers "migration toward more sophisticated unmanned systems" which are hard to detect at sea, "difficult to track by radar and even allow criminal networks to operate with partial autonomy." A near record number of the low-profile vessels were intercepted in the Atlantic and Pacific in 2024, according to the report. In November last year, five tonnes of Colombian cocaine were found on a semi-submersible en route to faraway Australia. Cocaine production, seizures and use all hit record highs in 2023, the UN drug agency said last month. In Colombia, production has reached record levels, fueled by surging global demand. Colombian law punishes the use, construction, marketing, possession, and transportation of semi-submersibles with penalties of up to 14 years in prison.
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
NSCEB Announces Biotech Across America Roadshow, Makes First Stop in North Carolina
NSCEB is launching a 3-month tour of the booming U.S. biotechnology ecosystem RALEIGH, N.C., June 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Yesterday, NSCEB Vice Chair Michelle Rozo kicked off the Commission's Biotech Across America roadshow in North Carolina where she met with multiple members from across North Carolina's biotechnology ecosystem. This summer, the NSCEB is hitting the road to highlight Biotechnology Across America, including the companies, academic institutions, industry alliances, workforce development programs, and policy initiatives that are driving the future for this rapidly growing industry. Commissioners intend to continue learning about the work being done across this vibrant ecosystem while engaging on the key findings and recommendations from the Commission's recent report to Congress. To follow the NSCEB's roadshow progress, visit: As events are scheduled, information will be updated. "The Commission's job is far from finished," said Dr. Michelle Rozo, Vice Chair of the NSCEB. "We are taking our report on the road and continuing the conversation with the people across America doing biotech work everyday. Together we can strengthen this vital ecosystem and advance our national and economic security." For the first stop in North Carolina, Vice Chair Rozo started in Raleigh where she discussed the state of the NC biotechnology industry with leaders from the North Carolina Biotechnology Center (NCBiotech) before meeting with Co-Chairs of the NC General Assembly's Life Sciences Caucus. She also joined leaders from industry and academia for a roundtable discussion on the ways North Carolina's leadership in biopharma manufacturing and workforce development is powering national progress across the biotech industry. Vice Chair Rozo and NSCEB staff then traveled to Franklinton, NC, to tour the Novonesis enzyme manufacturing facility, discuss recent agricultural biotechnology innovations that can serve as a cornerstone for national security, economic independence, and agricultural resilience. The group then closed the day by meeting with members of the North Carolina agricultural and industrial biotechnology community at a showcase of local biotech innovations. "For more than 40 years, NCBiotech and the state of North Carolina have been strategically investing in biotechnology and the life sciences," said Doug Edgeton, president and CEO of NCBiotech. "Given this critical moment for advancing U.S. leadership in biotechnology for national security and economic resilience, North Carolina is well positioned to execute on the Commission's recommendations, particularly around biomanufacturing, training, and domestic onshoring of critical supply chains for healing, feeding, and fueling the world." "The proactive measures proposed by the National Security Commission underscore a pivotal moment, not just a vision for a bio-based future, but the recognition that biotechnology and biosolutions are already shaping our world today," said Tue Micheelsen, President of Novonesis North America. "The tools to solve complex challenges and improve lives exist now, we simply need to amplify and extend them to reach everyone. At Novonesis, we are committed to accelerating this momentum, working to ensure these powerful innovations benefit communities everywhere. We invite all stakeholders, from policymakers to local leaders, to join us in expanding access to biology-driven solutions. Together, we can build a more sustainable, secure, and prosperous world." "The life sciences industry in North Carolina has been built on a strong foundation of support from our state legislature, municipalities and colleges and universities," said NCLifeSci President Laura Gunter. "The state's focus and foresight has built North Carolina into one of the nation's leading hubs for agricultural technology, defense, biotechnology and pharmaceuticals." Additional North Carolina participants included:Co-Chairs of NC Life Sciences Caucus (Rep. Donna White, Rep. Robert Reaves, Sen. Jay Chaudhuri, Sen. Benton Sawrey), North Carolina Life Sciences Organization, NC Biotechnology Center, Office of U.S. Senator Budd, Office of U.S. Senator Tillis, Office of U.S. Representative Rouzer, FUJIFILM Biotechnologies, North Carolina State University (BTEC, Plant Sciences Initiative, Bezos Center for Sustainable Protein, and Department of Food, Bioprocessing, and Nutrition Sciences), Ferment, Sable Fermentation, Elo Life Systems, Franklin County Economic Development, North Carolina Chamber of Commerce and Chamber Foundation, McGuireWoods, American Alliance for Biomanufacturing, BioMason, BIOME Consortia, TerraSafe, DMC Biotechnologies, Franklin County Schools, Innatrix, Keel Labs, Kiwanis Foundation of Franklin County, Iluma, North Carolina Farm Bureau, Novo Nordisk, Novonesis, Pairwise, PRTI Inc., SAS, Tar River Trading Post, United Way, Vance Granville Community College, Verb Biotics About NSCEB: The National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology is a time-limited, high-impact legislative branch advisory entity whose purpose is to advance and secure biotechnology, biomanufacturing, and associated technologies for U.S. national security and to prepare the United States for the bioindustrial revolution. The Commission published a comprehensive report in April 2025, including recommendations for action by Congress and the federal government. The bipartisan Commission is composed of Congressionally-appointed Commissioners with members from both the Senate and the House of Representatives as well as experts from industry, academia, and government. For more information about the Commission and to view the report, visit About Novonesis: Novonesis is a global company leading the era of biosolutions. By leveraging the power of microbiology with science, we transform the way the world produces, consumes, and lives. In more than 30 industries, our biosolutions are already creating value for millions of consumers and benefitting the planet. Our 10,000 people worldwide work closely with our partners and customers to transform business with biology. Learn more on About NCBiotech: Since 1984, the North Carolina Biotechnology Center has led life sciences technology-based economic development for the state by supporting the progression of ideas from the research lab to the marketplace. A private, non-profit state-funded corporation, NCBiotech invests in technology development through grants, in company development through loans, and in economic development through partnership development grants. Our transformational programs and activities develop strengths that yield high-paying life sciences jobs statewide. NCBiotech is headquartered in Research Triangle Park, with regional offices in Asheville, Charlotte, Greenville, Wilmington and Winston-Salem. To learn more, visit About NCLifeSci: NCLifeSci, the North Carolina Life Sciences Organization, is the trade association for North Carolina's life sciences industry. Founded in 1994, the organization advances the North Carolina life sciences industry and ecosystem, enabling its members to innovate and collaborate for success in a global marketplace. Contact: press@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
NSCEB Announces Biotech Across America Roadshow, Makes First Stop in North Carolina
NSCEB is launching a 3-month tour of the booming U.S. biotechnology ecosystem RALEIGH, N.C., June 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Yesterday, NSCEB Vice Chair Michelle Rozo kicked off the Commission's Biotech Across America roadshow in North Carolina where she met with multiple members from across North Carolina's biotechnology ecosystem. This summer, the NSCEB is hitting the road to highlight Biotechnology Across America, including the companies, academic institutions, industry alliances, workforce development programs, and policy initiatives that are driving the future for this rapidly growing industry. Commissioners intend to continue learning about the work being done across this vibrant ecosystem while engaging on the key findings and recommendations from the Commission's recent report to Congress. To follow the NSCEB's roadshow progress, visit: As events are scheduled, information will be updated. "The Commission's job is far from finished," said Dr. Michelle Rozo, Vice Chair of the NSCEB. "We are taking our report on the road and continuing the conversation with the people across America doing biotech work everyday. Together we can strengthen this vital ecosystem and advance our national and economic security." For the first stop in North Carolina, Vice Chair Rozo started in Raleigh where she discussed the state of the NC biotechnology industry with leaders from the North Carolina Biotechnology Center (NCBiotech) before meeting with Co-Chairs of the NC General Assembly's Life Sciences Caucus. She also joined leaders from industry and academia for a roundtable discussion on the ways North Carolina's leadership in biopharma manufacturing and workforce development is powering national progress across the biotech industry. Vice Chair Rozo and NSCEB staff then traveled to Franklinton, NC, to tour the Novonesis enzyme manufacturing facility, discuss recent agricultural biotechnology innovations that can serve as a cornerstone for national security, economic independence, and agricultural resilience. The group then closed the day by meeting with members of the North Carolina agricultural and industrial biotechnology community at a showcase of local biotech innovations. "For more than 40 years, NCBiotech and the state of North Carolina have been strategically investing in biotechnology and the life sciences," said Doug Edgeton, president and CEO of NCBiotech. "Given this critical moment for advancing U.S. leadership in biotechnology for national security and economic resilience, North Carolina is well positioned to execute on the Commission's recommendations, particularly around biomanufacturing, training, and domestic onshoring of critical supply chains for healing, feeding, and fueling the world." "The proactive measures proposed by the National Security Commission underscore a pivotal moment, not just a vision for a bio-based future, but the recognition that biotechnology and biosolutions are already shaping our world today," said Tue Micheelsen, President of Novonesis North America. "The tools to solve complex challenges and improve lives exist now, we simply need to amplify and extend them to reach everyone. At Novonesis, we are committed to accelerating this momentum, working to ensure these powerful innovations benefit communities everywhere. We invite all stakeholders, from policymakers to local leaders, to join us in expanding access to biology-driven solutions. Together, we can build a more sustainable, secure, and prosperous world." "The life sciences industry in North Carolina has been built on a strong foundation of support from our state legislature, municipalities and colleges and universities," said NCLifeSci President Laura Gunter. "The state's focus and foresight has built North Carolina into one of the nation's leading hubs for agricultural technology, defense, biotechnology and pharmaceuticals." Additional North Carolina participants included:Co-Chairs of NC Life Sciences Caucus (Rep. Donna White, Rep. Robert Reaves, Sen. Jay Chaudhuri, Sen. Benton Sawrey), North Carolina Life Sciences Organization, NC Biotechnology Center, Office of U.S. Senator Budd, Office of U.S. Senator Tillis, Office of U.S. Representative Rouzer, FUJIFILM Biotechnologies, North Carolina State University (BTEC, Plant Sciences Initiative, Bezos Center for Sustainable Protein, and Department of Food, Bioprocessing, and Nutrition Sciences), Ferment, Sable Fermentation, Elo Life Systems, Franklin County Economic Development, North Carolina Chamber of Commerce and Chamber Foundation, McGuireWoods, American Alliance for Biomanufacturing, BioMason, BIOME Consortia, TerraSafe, DMC Biotechnologies, Franklin County Schools, Innatrix, Keel Labs, Kiwanis Foundation of Franklin County, Iluma, North Carolina Farm Bureau, Novo Nordisk, Novonesis, Pairwise, PRTI Inc., SAS, Tar River Trading Post, United Way, Vance Granville Community College, Verb Biotics About NSCEB: The National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology is a time-limited, high-impact legislative branch advisory entity whose purpose is to advance and secure biotechnology, biomanufacturing, and associated technologies for U.S. national security and to prepare the United States for the bioindustrial revolution. The Commission published a comprehensive report in April 2025, including recommendations for action by Congress and the federal government. The bipartisan Commission is composed of Congressionally-appointed Commissioners with members from both the Senate and the House of Representatives as well as experts from industry, academia, and government. For more information about the Commission and to view the report, visit About Novonesis: Novonesis is a global company leading the era of biosolutions. By leveraging the power of microbiology with science, we transform the way the world produces, consumes, and lives. In more than 30 industries, our biosolutions are already creating value for millions of consumers and benefitting the planet. Our 10,000 people worldwide work closely with our partners and customers to transform business with biology. Learn more on About NCBiotech: Since 1984, the North Carolina Biotechnology Center has led life sciences technology-based economic development for the state by supporting the progression of ideas from the research lab to the marketplace. A private, non-profit state-funded corporation, NCBiotech invests in technology development through grants, in company development through loans, and in economic development through partnership development grants. Our transformational programs and activities develop strengths that yield high-paying life sciences jobs statewide. NCBiotech is headquartered in Research Triangle Park, with regional offices in Asheville, Charlotte, Greenville, Wilmington and Winston-Salem. To learn more, visit About NCLifeSci: NCLifeSci, the North Carolina Life Sciences Organization, is the trade association for North Carolina's life sciences industry. Founded in 1994, the organization advances the North Carolina life sciences industry and ecosystem, enabling its members to innovate and collaborate for success in a global marketplace. Contact: press@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology
