US and Ecuador Interdict Los Choneros-linked Vessel in Pacific

US Southern Command and Ecuador jointly intercepted a drug trafficking vessel linked to Los Choneros in the Eastern Pacific.

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Stands on 8 placed sources from 2 publishers.

The US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) and the Government of Ecuador jointly interdicted a vessel linked to the Los Choneros criminal organization in the Eastern Pacific on September 2, 2026. ^[1] The US Southern Command and Ecuadorian authorities confirmed on September 2, 2026, that the fishing vessel Conquista 2 was intercepted and destroyed in international waters of the Eastern Pacific. ^[2] US and Ecuadorian officials stated that the Conquista 2 was operating as a floating fueling station to support Los Choneros drug trafficking operations. ^[3] SOUTHCOM Commander General Francis L. Donovan directed the operation, which was executed by the Joint Task Force Western Hemisphere (JTF-WHEM) in coordination with Ecuador. ^[4] US intelligence confirmed that the intercepted vessel functioned as a floating refueling station to support Los Choneros drug trafficking operations at sea. ^[5] US Navy personnel from the USS San Antonio (LPD 17) boarded the vessel, registered it, and ensured its seizure without reported incidents. ^[6] César Pico, the owner of the Conquista 2, claimed the incident was a mistake and that the crew was engaged in legitimate fishing activities. ^[7] The vessel departed the port of Manta, Manabí, on August 28, 2026, with 15 crew members who were later transferred safely to Ecuadorian authorities. ^[8]

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The US Southern Command and Ecuadorian authorities confirmed on September 2, 2026, that the fishing vessel Conquista 2 was intercepted and destroyed in international waters of the Eastern Pacific. · Primicias

US and Ecuadorian officials stated that the Conquista 2 was operating as a floating fueling station to support Los Choneros drug trafficking operations. · Primicias

SOUTHCOM Commander General Francis L. Donovan directed the operation, which was executed by the Joint Task Force Western Hemisphere (JTF-WHEM) in coordination with Ecuador. · El Comercio

US intelligence confirmed that the intercepted vessel functioned as a floating refueling station to support Los Choneros drug trafficking operations at sea. · El Comercio

US Navy personnel from the USS San Antonio (LPD 17) boarded the vessel, registered it, and ensured its seizure without reported incidents. · El Comercio

César Pico, the owner of the Conquista 2, claimed the incident was a mistake and that the crew was engaged in legitimate fishing activities. · Primicias

The vessel departed the port of Manta, Manabí, on August 28, 2026, with 15 crew members who were later transferred safely to Ecuadorian authorities. · Primicias

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