U.S. Enacts New Sanctions on Ecuadorian Entities for Alleged Cocaine Trafficking

The United States has intensified efforts to combat cocaine trafficking by implementing fresh sanctions on 15 individuals and entities in Ecuador, alongside 10 vessels. These measures, announced on Thursday, focus on a maritime operation allegedly tied to the Los Choneros and Los Lobos groups. Both have been classified by the U.S. as foreign terrorist organizations.

According to the Treasury Department, the network utilized a fleet of seemingly legitimate fishing vessels in Manta, Ecuador, to smuggle thousands of kilograms of cocaine monthly. These shipments supplied Mexican cartels, including the Sinaloa cartel and Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generación, with drugs for distribution in the United States.

The operation involved refueling and resupplying smaller boats, known as “go-fast” boats, which transported the drugs through the eastern Pacific Ocean toward Mexico. “Working alongside our law enforcement partners, we will continue to disrupt the cartels’ drug trafficking operations and protect our borders,” Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent commented.

The sanctions target members of the Mero family, accused of operating the fishing company Arcasdenoe S.A. This firm allegedly orchestrated fuel, food, and medical support for cocaine smuggling. Several other Ecuadorian nationals were also named for contributing to the trafficking scheme and managing additional front companies.

Ten vessels, identified as providing logistical support and facilitating cocaine transport, are also part of the sanctions. These actions follow the September 2025 terrorist designation of Los Choneros and Los Lobos by the State Department and build on previous efforts by the Treasury against these groups.

During Operation Pacific Viper, a counternarcotics campaign led by the U.S. Coast Guard, more than 225,000 pounds of cocaine were seized in the eastern Pacific from August 2025 to June 2026.

The new sanctions mean that any U.S.-based assets belonging to the targeted individuals and entities are frozen. U.S. persons are generally prohibited from conducting business with them. Violations could lead to civil or criminal penalties, and foreign financial institutions transacting with the sanctioned parties might face secondary sanctions.

Treasury’s statement highlighted collaboration with several U.S. agencies, including the Homeland Security Task Force, the DEA, U.S. Southern Command, Naval Intelligence, and the Coast Guard. This is one of almost 30 actions targeting cartel networks since early 2025.

The State Department emphasized that these trafficking operations generate billions of dollars, fueling the production and distribution of deadly drugs affecting U.S. communities. It reiterated its commitment to utilizing all available tools to dismantle these organizations.

Earlier this year, U.S. commandos collaborated with Ecuadorian forces on a mission to dismantle criminal hubs associated with Los Choneros. In 2024, Los Lobos was identified as Ecuador’s largest drug trafficking ring, significantly contributing to the violence affecting the country.