U.S. Sanctions 10 Ecuador-Based Fishing Vessels Linked To Cocaine Trafficking Network

The United States has sanctioned 15 Ecuador-based people and entities and blocked 10 fishing vessels accused of helping move thousands of kilograms of cocaine each month from South America through Mexico to the United States.

The U.S. Treasury Department said the network used fishing businesses near Manta, Ecuador, as a cover for drug trafficking.

The vessels allegedly transferred cocaine to small speedboats, known as go-fast boats, which then travelled north through the Eastern Pacific Ocean.

The network is linked to Los Choneros and Los Lobos, two Ecuadorian groups that the United States has designated as Foreign Terrorist Organisations.

Treasury said the drugs are later moved through Mexico by the Sinaloa Cartel and Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generacion (CJNG), which are also designated as FTOs by the United States.

The United States has increased efforts to stop cocaine shipments in the Eastern Pacific, a major route for drugs moving from South and Central America through Mexico toward the United States.

Fishing boats used to support drug shipments

Treasury said fishing vessels operating near Manta were used to support cocaine shipments across the Eastern Pacific.

The boats allegedly provided fuel, food and medical assistance to go-fast vessels carrying cocaine. They also helped detect and monitor law enforcement vessels along the route.

According to Treasury, the fishing vessels used government-subsidized fuel as part of these operations.

Alfonso Mero Mero and his sons, Roberth Alfonso Mero Arcentales and Edwar Alexis Mero Arcentales, were among those targeted. Treasury said they operate through the family fishing business Arcasdenoe, S.A.

The department said the three were responsible for moving thousands of kilograms of cocaine from South America to Mexico and providing fuel to go-fast boats travelling across the Eastern Pacific.

Treasury also said Edwar Mero Arcentales was involved in drug trafficking activities with Los Choneros.

Another operator, Julio Javier Mero Franco, was accused of supporting Los Choneros and coordinating the movement of about 30 to 40 tons of cocaine each month from Ecuador to Central America and Mexico.

Milton Edixon Martinez Mendoza was accused of supporting Los Lobos and Los Choneros and coordinating the movement of thousands of kilograms of cocaine on go-fast boats heading to Mexico.

Jhonny Francisco Vera Laz, who Treasury said worked on behalf of Mero Franco, was accused of trafficking thousands of kilograms of cocaine each month from Ecuador’s coast to Mexico.

Byron Aldino Mero Bermello and Jimmy Leonidas Alarcon Holguin were also accused of arranging refuelling for cocaine-carrying vessels travelling toward Mexico.

Treasury said Alarcon Holguin owns or controls six Ecuador-based companies: Alho Fish, S.A., Globaldistrial, S.A.S., JAH-HMH, S.A.S., Negocios Jimar, S.A.S., Proyectos Neyzoa S.A.S. and Soisamar, S.A.S.

All except Globaldistrial are involved in marine fishing. Globaldistrial is involved in trading construction materials, according to Treasury.

10 Ecuador fishing vessels blocked

The Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control identified 10 Ecuador-based fishing vessels as blocked property.

They are Todos Vuelven, Arca De Noe III, Arca De Noe III Jr, Arca De Noe IV, Arca De Noe V, Conquista, Siempre Mi Arca, Rey De Arca, Costa Marlin and Solo Es Mejor.

Treasury said the vessels provide fuel, food and medical services to go-fast boats carrying cocaine across the Eastern Pacific. They also allegedly monitor the movement of law enforcement vessels.

Todos Vuelven was additionally accused of transporting cocaine in multi-ton quantities.

US steps up drug operations in Eastern Pacific

The U.S. Coast Guard launched Operation Pacific Viper in August 2025. The operation increased the use of Coast Guard cutters, aircraft and tactical teams to intercept and seize cocaine and other illegal drugs.

By June 2026, the operation had seized more than 225,000 pounds, or about 112 tons, of cocaine in the Eastern Pacific, according to Treasury.

OFAC said it has taken nearly 30 actions against more than 300 people and entities since the start of 2025 as part of the Trump administration’s efforts against drug trafficking networks.

US warships to support Ecuador

Ecuadorian Defence Minister Gian Carlo Loffredo said Thursday that two U.S. warships, along with interceptor boats and helicopters, would patrol Ecuador’s territorial waters.

Loffredo made the announcement on Instagram after meeting U.S. Southern Command chief General Francis Donovan in the port city of Manta on Wednesday.

He did not give a date for the start of the patrols.

“This means we will triple our interdiction capabilities in the maritime zone,” Loffredo said. He added that three Black Hawk helicopters were already in Manta and would take part in operations.

Reference: US Treasury