U.S. sanctions Ecuador-based drug network, blocks 10 fishing vessels

The United States has imposed sanctions on a drug trafficking network operating out of Ecuador, designating 15 individuals and entities involved in moving thousands of kilograms of cocaine. The U.S. Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) also blocked 10 Ecuadorian fishing vessels suspected of supporting these operations.

According to the Treasury Department, the network utilized fishing companies as a cover to transport cocaine from Ecuador's coast to Mexico. The operation allegedly involved transferring drugs from vessels near Manta onto high-speed "go-fast" boats, which then traveled north through the Eastern Pacific Ocean. Once in Mexico, the cocaine was reportedly handed over to organizations such as the Sinaloa Cartel and the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) for distribution into the United States.

The 10 blocked fishing vessels provided logistical support, including fuel, food, and medical services, to the drug-carrying boats. Some vessels were also reportedly used for surveillance, monitoring for law enforcement. Among the identified vessels are Todos Vuelven, Arca De Noe III, and Costa Marlin. The Treasury stated that the Todos Vuelven was allegedly used to transport multi-ton cocaine shipments.

Several individuals were named in the sanctions, including Alfonso Mero Mero and Roberth Alfonso Mero Arcentales. The U.S. government indicated that members of this network are linked to Los Choneros and Los Lobos, Ecuadorian organizations previously designated by the U.S. as foreign terrorist organizations in September 2025. These operations are estimated to generate billions of dollars annually for the involved drug trafficking organizations.