Ecuadorian Navy seizes 32 packages of suspected drugs at sea

The Ecuadorian Navy announced the seizure of about 32 packages containing suspected narcotics on June 11, 2026. The operation took place in Ecuador's insular waters, highlighting the nation's maritime control efforts. This action is part of broader initiatives to strengthen maritime security, control, and surveillance in Ecuadorian waters.

The successful interdiction was a result of coordinated efforts between the Navy's naval intelligence subsystem and the National Police's intelligence agencies. Monitoring and interdiction operations enabled the detection and interception of the shipment within Ecuadorian jurisdictional waters.

Initial investigations suggest the packages were deliberately abandoned at sea to evade authorities. The confiscated evidence will be transferred to port and handed over to the relevant authorities for legal proceedings and investigations into the cargo's origin and destination.

The Navy emphasized that these operations are crucial in combating illicit maritime activities and reaffirming its commitment to defending and protecting the country's maritime resources. This seizure follows other recent operations, including joint efforts with the U.S. to intercept significant cocaine shipments.