WASHINGTON – U.S. forces intercepted and destroyed a vessel in the Eastern Pacific that authorities say was being used as a floating refueling station to support drug-trafficking operations at sea.
The operation was carried out on September 15 by the Western Hemisphere Joint Task Force under the direction of the United States Southern Command (SOUTHCOM).
According to an official SOUTHCOM statement, intelligence confirmed that the vessel was supporting activities associated with Los Choneros, an Ecuadorian criminal organization that Washington has designated as a terrorist organization.
U.S. forces intercepted the vessel and removed everyone aboard. The crew members are expected to be transferred to Ecuadorian authorities.
After the vessel was inspected and all occupants had been removed, U.S. forces sank it. No deaths or injuries were reported during the operation. Authorities did not disclose the number or identities of those detained.
The vessel allegedly served as a logistical support platform for drug-trafficking boats operating in the Eastern Pacific. Floating refueling stations can allow smaller vessels to remain at sea for longer periods, extend their operating range and avoid returning to shore for fuel and other supplies.
By eliminating such a platform, authorities aim to disrupt not only individual drug shipments but also the logistical infrastructure that enables trafficking networks to operate over long distances.
SOUTHCOM Commander Marine Corps Gen. Francis L. Donovan said the United States was maintaining pressure on organizations involved in narcotics trafficking by targeting the networks that sustain their operations.
“We’re applying relentless pressure on these narco-terrorists and hitting them where it hurts most,” Donovan said, pointing to efforts to dismantle networks, disrupt logistics and damage their finances.
The operation also highlights increasing security cooperation between Washington and Quito against criminal organizations involved in moving narcotics through the Eastern Pacific.
U.S. authorities did not provide information about whether drugs were discovered aboard the vessel or disclose details about the intelligence that led forces to the floating refueling station.