Ecuador intercepts semi-submersible, arrests four including two Colombians

Ecuador's armed forces intercepted a semi-submersible vessel off the coast, apprehending four people, including two Colombians and two Ecuadorians. The Ministry of Defense reported the operation occurred 140 nautical miles from the continental shore.

During the search, the military confiscated the semi-submersible, which the ministry stated was also used for illegal fuel storage. This seizure was described as "a new action against transnational criminal economies." The detained individuals were being transferred to national territory.

Ecuador, situated between Colombia and Peru, the world's top cocaine producers, has become a significant transit point for drug trafficking, primarily to Europe and North America. Security forces have increased maritime operations, seizing tons of cocaine from speedboats and other vessels in collaboration with countries like the United States. As of late May, Ecuador had confiscated over 70 tons of drugs.