Ecuadorian Navy Seizes 800 Kgs of Cocaine on Cargo Ship

On February 15, the Ecuadorian Navy seized approximately 800 kilograms of cocaine aboard the Hapag-Lloyd container ship Guayaquil Express. The bust followed a tip-off about drug trafficking activity on the vessel.

Drug Smuggling Operation at Sea

The operation took place 45 miles off the coast of Manta, Ecuador, as the GuayaquilExpress was en route from Posorja, Ecuador, to the Panama Canal. Reports indicate that around 25 armed individuals approached the vessel in two speedboats and placed drug-filled packages onboard.

Coordinated Interception

Acting on intelligence regarding possible drug trafficking, the Coast Guard and Marine Corps worked together to intercept and inspect the ship. Their search uncovered multiple packages of cocaine hidden on board.

Links to Criminal Organizations

Authorities noted that the seized packages displayed various logos, suggesting the involvement of multiple criminal networks in the smuggling operation. Investigations into the origins and intended destination of the drugs are ongoing.