U.S. Sanctions Ecuador-Based Cocaine Smuggling Network Tied To Terror Groups
The U.S. Treasury on August 20, 2026, sanctioned 15 Ecuador-based individuals and entities and 10 vessels for running a maritime cocaine-smuggling network out of Manta, Ecuador.[1]
Treasury named the Mero family and fishing firm Arcasdenoe S.A., saying the group coordinated fuel, food and medical support for shipments.[1] Officials said fishing vessels based in Manta staged and resupplied 'go-fast' boats that moved thousands of kilograms of cocaine each month toward Mexico.[1]
Operation Pacific Viper seized more than 225,000 pounds of cocaine in the eastern Pacific between August 2025 and June 2026, Treasury said.[1] Treasury tied the smuggling network to Ecuadorian groups Los Choneros and Los Lobos, both previously designated by the U.S. as foreign terrorist organizations.[1]
The sanctions freeze any U.S.-based assets, bar U.S. persons from transactions, and expose foreign financial institutions that facilitate dealings to possible secondary sanctions.[1]
Show source details & analysis (1 source)
📌 Key Facts
- On August 20, 2026, Treasury sanctioned 15 Ecuador-based individuals and entities and 10 vessels for alleged maritime cocaine trafficking.
- Treasury said the network used fishing vessels out of Manta, Ecuador, to support "go-fast" boats carrying thousands of kilograms of cocaine monthly toward Mexico.
- The network is tied to Ecuadorian groups Los Choneros and Los Lobos, previously designated by the U.S. as foreign terrorist organizations.
- Sanctioned parties include the Mero family and fishing firm Arcasdenoe S.A., accused of coordinating fuel, food and medical support for shipments.
- The action is part of Operation Pacific Viper, which Treasury says seized over 225,000 pounds of cocaine in the eastern Pacific between August 2025 and June 2026.
- Sanctions freeze any U.S.-based assets, bar U.S. persons from transactions, and expose foreign financial institutions facilitating dealings to possible secondary sanctions.
📰 Source Timeline (1)
Follow how coverage of this story developed over time