US Forces Sink Vessel Supporting Drug Trafficking in Eastern Pacific

In a collaborative effort with the Ecuadorian government, U.S. forces intercepted and sank a vessel in international waters of the Eastern Pacific on August 28. This vessel was identified as a floating refueling station facilitating illicit drug trafficking activities.

The operation was spearheaded by the Joint Task Force Western Hemisphere (JTF-WHEM), guided by U.S. Southern Command Commander Gen. Francis L. Donovan.

Connection to Los Choneros

Intelligence reports indicated that the vessel was previously noted and targeted under U.S. Department of the Treasury sanctions, linked to the violent narco-terrorist organization, Los Choneros.

U.S. Marines and Sailors launched from the USS San Antonio (LPD 17) successfully boarded, searched, and secured the vessel without incident.

Safe Transportation to Ecuador

Following the operation, individuals aboard were safely transported to Ecuador, after which the vessel was sunk.

This operation is said to have disrupted a key element of the drug traffickers' logistics chain. It aligns with the goals of the Americas Counter Cartel Coalition (A3C) and JTF-WHEM to dismantle narco-terrorist networks within the Western Hemisphere.

Gen. Donovan's Statement on the Operation

Gen. Francis L. Donovan remarked that the operation highlighted the effectiveness of the Americas Counter Cartel Coalition in disrupting the complex operations utilized by narco-terrorist organizations to transport drugs towards American communities.

He emphasized the collaborative effort with Ecuadorian partners, labeling it a significant victory against a narco-terrorist operation responsible for extensive drug trafficking in the region.

Donovan reaffirmed the commitment of the United States and its allies in the Western Hemisphere to eradicate narco-terrorist groups.

The Department of War alongside the Americas Counter Cartel Coalition remains resolute in their mission to combat narco-terrorists and safeguard the U.S. homeland.