Honduras intercepts drug submarine

Honduras has intercepted a submarine used to smuggle drugs from Colombia, officials said. Defence Minister Marlon Pascua said five alleged smugglers were arrested after they scuttled the vessel when they were detected 26km off the country's Caribbean coast. ''We intend to recover the drugs, and we are asking for aid from friendly countries to recover the vessel,'' he told local media. ''It is important to have proof so that the full weight of the law can be applied to these people,'' he added. Pascua said the vessel had originated in Colombia and was sunk in 14m-deep water. He estimated it could carry three to five tonnes of cocaine, far more than the small planes and speedboats normally intercepted in the area.