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]