U.S. sanctions Ecuador drug network and blocks 10 vessels

The U.S. Department of the Treasury has imposed sanctions against a drug trafficking network based in Ecuador, targeting 15 individuals and companies linked to the Sinaloa Cartel and the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). The network is reportedly connected to Ecuadorian criminal organizations Los Choneros and Los Lobos.

As part of the sanctions, the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has blocked 10 Ecuadorian fishing vessels. These vessels allegedly operated under the guise of legitimate fishing businesses to transport large quantities of cocaine from Ecuador to Mexico, which then serves as a transit point for distribution into the United States.

In a separate development in Quito, Ecuadorian police arrested Jeremy Alfredo Jácome Buñay, known as ‘Gato Jeremy,’ a leader within the Los Lobos organization and nephew of criminal figure Colón Pico. Authorities seized firearms, ammunition, and a vehicle during the operation. However, a judge later released Jácome Buñay under alternative precautionary measures following charges of unauthorized possession of weapons.