A coordinated international counter-narcotics operation has led to the seizure of 1,360 kilograms of cocaine in the Eastern Pacific and the arrest of two Ecuadorian nationals, in a joint effort involving the Joint Interagency Task Force South (JIATF-S), El Salvador, Ecuador, Colombia and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)….
A coordinated international counter-narcotics operation has led to the seizure of 1,360 kilograms of cocaine in the Eastern Pacific and the arrest of two Ecuadorian nationals, in a joint effort involving the Joint Interagency Task Force South (JIATF-S), El Salvador, Ecuador, Colombia and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
The operation began when a U.S. Southern Command Maritime Patrol Aircraft detected a suspicious “go-fast” vessel about 226 nautical miles west of Salinas, Ecuador, travelling from Manta towards Mexico.
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According to the statement, “JIATF-S quickly coordinated with partners. The Ecuadorian Navy initiated a hot pursuit on the water while the Maritime Patrol Aircraft maintained constant eyes in the sky.”
The operation culminated when the National Navy of El Salvador deployed interceptor vessels, stopping the suspect boat approximately 947 nautical miles southwest of Bocana El Cordoncillo.
Authorities recovered 1,360 kilograms of cocaine from the vessel and arrested its two Ecuadorian crew members.
Highlighting the significance of the operation, the statement said, “This fight is critical to cutting off illicit funding, combatting narco-terrorism, and protecting our communities. Stronger together.”
Officials described the seizure as another example of the effectiveness of multinational cooperation in disrupting transnational organised crime and strengthening maritime security across the region.
