According to the Ecuadorian Navy, the operation was carried out as part of the Security Block's actions, following an information exchange between operations centers of both countries. The operation was executed by a U.S. Coast Guard unit, which detected and pursued an Ecuadorian-flagged fishing vessel accompanied by three fiber-type boats. The maneuvers included Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS) procedures, which allowed for the immobilization of the vessel and the seizure of the illicit cargo. 'Approximately 592 kilograms of controlled substances were confiscated,' reported the Ecuadorian maritime authority. The apprehension of the 10 crew members was also confirmed, who will be transferred to Ecuadorian territory to face the corresponding judicial processes. The operation was carried out in compliance with existing bilateral and multilateral agreements in the fight against maritime drug trafficking, reinforcing Ecuador's role as a key actor in controlling illicit routes in the Pacific. In a broader context, the U.S. Embassy highlighted that these actions are part of a regional security strategy. During the 'Southern Seas 2026' exercise, the USS Nimitz strengthened cooperation with countries like Mexico, emphasizing a 'trust-based' collaboration aimed at curbing threats such as drug trafficking.
