Cocaine Trafficking Sanctions
US Treasury Sanctions Cocaine Trafficking Network Linked to Ecuadorean Gangs
The U.S. Treasury has sanctioned 15 people allegedly running a major cocaine pipeline from Ecuador to the United States Yahoo News. The network moves thousands of kilograms of cocaine monthly and is linked to Los Choneros and Los Lobos, two Ecuadorean gangs the U.S. designates as foreign terrorist organizations. Mexican cartels—Sinaloa and CJNG—handle smuggling operations across the border.
The action marks an escalation in U.S. pressure on drug trafficking at a time when Ecuador battles gang violence at home. The U.N. is deploying two warships with interceptor boats and helicopters to patrol Ecuador's waters and disrupt the flow Winnipeg Free Press.
How the Network Operated Across Borders
Los Choneros and Los Lobos ran the Ecuador side of the operation Seattle PI. They sourced cocaine from producers in Ecuador and passed it to Sinaloa Cartel and CJNG handlers for transport through Mexico. The network sent thousands of kilograms north each month—enough to supply major U.S. markets Independent.
Treasury Targets Supply Chain Players
The 15 sanctioned individuals held different roles in the trafficking chain Houston Chronicle. Some managed logistics. Others handled finances or coordinated between Ecuador's gangs and Mexican cartels. Sanctions freeze their U.S. assets and block American companies from doing business with them My Northwest.
U.N. Naval Patrols Aim to Choke Supply Routes
Two U.N. warships equipped with interceptor boats and helicopters will now patrol Ecuador's territorial waters. Their mission is to intercept drug shipments before they leave the country. The patrols target maritime trafficking routes where most cocaine moves toward Central America and Mexico Winnipeg Free Press.
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