Video: U.S. Navy Sinks Ecuadorian Drug Cartel Vessel in the Pacific Ocean
On September 7, the U.S. Navy intercepted and sank a vessel used by the Ecuadorian drug cartel “Los Choneros.” The incident occurred in the eastern Pacific Ocean, and according to U.S. officials, the vessel was facilitating drug trafficking to the United States.
This was reported by U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) on social media platform X.
“On September 7, forces from the Joint Task Force Western Hemisphere (JTF-WHEM) intercepted a floating refueling station that was facilitating illegal maritime drug trafficking operations in international waters in the eastern Pacific,” the statement said.
According to intelligence reports, as noted by the command, the vessel was being used by the Ecuadorian drug cartel “Los Choneros.”
U.S. service members boarded the detained vessel, searched and cleared it, after which it was sunk.
“The individuals who were on board will be handed over to Ecuadorian authorities. After examining and disembarking the crew members, U.S. military personnel sank the vessel,” the post states.
On Sept. 7, under the direction of #SOUTHCOM, Joint Task Force Western Hemisphere (JTF-WHEM) forces successfully interdicted a floating refueling station supporting illicit at-sea drug trafficking operations in the Eastern Pacific.
Intelligence confirmed the vessel’s… pic.twitter.com/nfGfy8KTUY— U.S. Southern Command (@Southcom) September 7, 2026
SOUTHCOM added that it will continue to conduct precise and professional operations to dismantle the logistics networks that fuel drug trafficking in the Western Hemisphere.
As a reminder, South Korea, the U.S., and Japan have launched the Freedom Edge exercise.
