Military Seizes Narcotics in Joint Operation
Ecuador’s Ministry of Defense announced on Tuesday that military personnel, with support from the United States, intercepted 1.9 tons of suspected drugs at sea, thought to be destined for the U.S.
According to details shared by the ministry, the operation was a collaborative effort with the U.S. Coast Guard and Naval Intelligence. This endeavor aligns with Ecuador’s ongoing agreement to tackle transnational crime alongside international allies, including the United States. The estimated value of the seized drugs is around $40 million in the U.S. and $70 million in Europe.
Two Ecuadorian suspects were arrested, identified as “Victor V” and “Jonathan V.” They, along with the confiscated cargo and further evidence, will soon be transferred to Ecuadorian authorities by the U.S. Coast Guard for secure custody.
The statement emphasized the importance of international collaboration and the dedication of the Armed Forces in ensuring the safety of the nation’s waters and promoting peace for Ecuadorian families.
The ministry also indicated that this operation was part of the Ecuadorian government’s “Total Offensive” security initiative against organized crime and drug trafficking launched by President Daniel Novoa in January.
This recent announcement follows the U.S. Southern Command’s announcement of a joint military operation aimed at combating narco-terrorist organizations in Ecuador. The Southcom shared declassified footage from one such operation, calling it a clear demonstration of collaboration among partners in Latin America and the Caribbean against narco-terrorism.
In a statement, Southcom highlighted their commitment to addressing the threats posed by narco-terrorists, who have caused fear and corruption throughout the region. President Noboa has mentioned ongoing joint operations with regional allies, asserting that ensuring the safety of Ecuadorians is a top priority.
During a security forum in Quito shortly after Southcom’s announcement, Henry Delgado, commander of Ecuador’s Armed Forces Joint Forces, noted that military exercises with the United States will continue indefinitely given the security challenges in Ecuador. He urged citizens to avoid areas dominated by illegal mining operations, emphasizing that military action is being taken in those regions.
President Noboa was invited along with other Latin American leaders to participate in the “Shield of the Americas,” a U.S.-led security initiative targeting drug cartels and illegal immigration. He expressed appreciation for U.S. military capabilities, clarifying that their presence in Ecuador stems from agreed cooperation, not unilateral intervention.
In a separate interview, Noboa pointed out the absence of Colombia and Mexico from the Shield of the Americas initiative, suggesting they are not prioritizing the resolution of drug trafficking issues in the region. He described the summit as a significant step, as it reflects concern regarding the current situation in Latin America.
Noboa elaborated that the summit addressed pressing security issues for Ecuador, asserting the Shield of the Americas is fundamentally about security and devoid of ideological bias.
