US sinks vessel linked to Ecuadorian drug cartel

The US military intercepted and sank a vessel in the Eastern Pacific that was being used to support the Ecuadorian criminal group Los Choneros, the US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) said on September 7.

The vessel was allegedly used as a floating refuelling station to support illicit maritime drug-trafficking operations, Caliber.Az reports via SOUTHCOM.

On Sept. 7, under the direction of #SOUTHCOM, Joint Task Force Western Hemisphere (JTF-WHEM) forces successfully interdicted a floating refueling station supporting illicit at-sea drug trafficking operations in the Eastern Pacific.

Intelligence confirmed the vessel's… pic.twitter.com/nfGfy8KTUY

— U.S. Southern Command (@Southcom) September 7, 2026

After US forces boarded and cleared the vessel and removed its crew, the ship was sunk. The individuals taken from the vessel are expected to be handed over to Ecuadorian authorities.

By Jeyhun Aghazada