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Colombia mulls locking up dangerous criminals on prison ships

Colombia’s new hard-right government wants to use prison ships adrift at sea to lock up people it considers highly dangerous criminals, a defence ministry source said on Wednesday. President Abelardo de la Espriella took office earlier this month, vowing to come down hard on armed groups in Colombia, the world’s largest cocaine producer. The US-backed millionaire campaigned on a pledge to bomb guerrillas and build so-called “mega prisons” in the style of El Salvador’s leader, Nayib...

Source: South China Morning Post · August 27, 2026 at 12:01 AM · AI-assisted report

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Colombia mulls locking up dangerous criminals on prison ships
Photo: Wikimedia Commons — Abelardo de la Espriella

KUALA LUMPUR, COLOMBIA, 27 AUGUST 2026 —

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Colombia Plans Prison Ships for High-Risk Criminals

Market Impact

KUALA LUMPUR — Colombia’s new hard-right government is considering using prison ships to detain dangerous criminals, a defence ministry source said on Wednesday. President Abelardo de la Espriella, who took office earlier this month, has pledged a tough stance against armed groups in the country, the world’s largest cocaine producer. The proposal follows his campaign promises to adopt El Salvador-style “mega prisons” and target guerrilla factions.

The plan was discussed during a security council meeting, where de la Espriella requested its implementation. The Colombian Navy has been tasked with overseeing the project, though no further details were provided. Prison ships are intended to prevent escapes and limit detainees’ contact with external networks. Human rights groups have raised concerns over potential violations of humanitarian standards. Colombia previously used prison ships in 2007 under former President Álvaro Uribe to hold drug traffickers before their extradition to the U.S.

De la Espriella also seeks to strengthen security ties with the U.S. and Israel. On August 12, Colombia authorised joint U.S. airstrikes on its soil as part of its anti-drug trafficking operations.

Malaysia Market Impact Details not yet available.

Outlook The proposal reflects Colombia’s intensified crackdown on armed groups and drug cartels. If implemented, the prison ship initiative could face legal and humanitarian scrutiny. Further developments on the plan’s execution remain pending.

Related: Abelardo de la Espriella

Reporting based on South China Morning Post. Figures and claims are subject to revision as the story develops. DomainFork publishes editorial context, not investment advice — see our editorial standards.