U.S. Sanctions 10 Ecuador-Based Fishing Vessels Linked To Cocaine Trafficking Network
Our take
The recent U.S. sanctions against ten Ecuador-based fishing vessels implicated in a cocaine trafficking network highlight a growing and complex intersection of maritime activity, illegal trade, and ocean governance. These vessels, utilizing the guise of legitimate fishing operations, facilitated the transfer of cocaine to high-speed “go-fast boats” destined for northward transit through the Eastern Pacific. This development underscores the vulnerability of maritime infrastructure to exploitation by criminal organizations, impacting not only regional security but also potentially jeopardizing the sustainability of fisheries and the broader marine ecosystem. The scale of this operation, involving ten vessels, suggests a sophisticated and well-resourced network, further emphasizing the need for enhanced monitoring and interagency collaboration. Related efforts to address bycatch in the Eastern Pacific, as explored in From acceptance to support: fishers’ pathways to adopting circle hooks to reduce sea turtle bycatch, demonstrate the challenges of ensuring responsible maritime practices, a challenge now compounded by the presence of illicit activities. The ongoing shift in global energy markets, exemplified by Vietnam Receives First Direct Diesel Shipment From India In 8 Years, also provides a backdrop; increased demand for fuel, and potentially fluctuating prices, could incentivize further exploitation of maritime resources and create opportunities for illicit actors.
The use of fishing vessels for drug trafficking isn’t a new phenomenon, but the scale and sophistication of this particular operation warrant closer examination. The Eastern Pacific, with its extensive coastline and complex ocean currents, provides a challenging environment for law enforcement. The inherent difficulty in distinguishing legitimate fishing activity from illicit transport creates a significant obstacle to effective monitoring. Furthermore, the reliance on "go-fast boats" – vessels designed for speed and maneuverability – necessitates advanced surveillance technologies and rapid response capabilities. The economic incentives for engaging in such activities are substantial, potentially outweighing the risks for those involved. This highlights the importance of addressing the underlying socio-economic factors that contribute to the vulnerability of coastal communities and the appeal of illicit trade. The observed presence of heavy metals in marine fish from the Gulf of California, Mexico, as detailed in Ecological patterns of trace and essential metal bioaccumulation in marine fish from the Gulf of California, Mexico, serves as a stark reminder of the broader ecological consequences of unregulated maritime activities, and the potential for illicit operations to exacerbate existing environmental stressors.
The U.S. sanctions represent a necessary, albeit reactive, measure. A more proactive approach requires integrated data ecosystems, leveraging real-time ocean intelligence to enhance situational awareness and predictive capabilities. This includes incorporating data from satellite monitoring, vessel tracking systems (AIS), and oceanographic models to identify anomalies and potential hotspots for illicit activity. Validated empirical data, calibrated and integrated across multiple sources, is crucial for developing effective strategies to deter and disrupt these networks. The focus shouldn’t solely be on interdicting vessels; it should also encompass disrupting the financial flows and dismantling the organizational structures that support these operations. Peer-reviewed research on maritime security threats and the effectiveness of different intervention strategies is essential for informing policy decisions and resource allocation. The need for longitudinal data collection to track trends and evaluate the long-term impact of interventions is also paramount.
Looking ahead, the convergence of climate change, resource scarcity, and geopolitical instability will likely exacerbate the challenges posed by maritime crime. As ocean ecosystems become increasingly stressed and valuable resources become more contested, the incentive for illegal exploitation will likely grow. The development of robust, collaborative frameworks—integrating law enforcement, maritime authorities, and scientific institutions—is critical to safeguarding the integrity of our oceans and ensuring their sustainable use. A key question remains: how can we effectively leverage technological innovation and data-driven insights to proactively mitigate the risks posed by illicit maritime activities, while simultaneously supporting legitimate and sustainable ocean-based industries?
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
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