Ecuador Navy Seizes 2.2 Tons of Drugs in Major Maritime Operation

Ecuador's Navy has intercepted two vessels carrying a significant haul of narcotics, seizing 73 barrels containing approximately 2.2 tons of drugs in international waters. The operation, conducted off the coast of Esmeraldas, is being hailed by the Minister of Defense, Gian Carlo Loffredo, as potentially the largest maritime drug bust for Ecuador this year.

The intercepted cargo is estimated to be worth over $80 million, representing a substantial blow to drug trafficking organizations. Authorities believe the drugs were intended for distribution in markets across Central America, the United States, and Europe. Six Ecuadorian citizens were apprehended during the operation and have been handed over to the relevant authorities to face legal proceedings.

The successful interdiction was carried out by the Missile Corvette "Manabí" and naval air assets during routine maritime control patrols within Ecuador's Exclusive Economic Zone. The Navy emphasized that intelligence gathering and information exchange with allied nations were crucial to the operation's success. Ecuador continues to prioritize international cooperation to bolster maritime security and combat transnational organized crime.