US Sanctions 15 Targets in Ecuador Linked to Narcotics and Organized Crime

The US Treasury Department has taken action against 15 targets in Ecuador, citing their alleged links to narcotics trafficking and organized crime. The sanctions, which include 8 individuals and 7 companies, are aimed at disrupting the flow of narcotics into the US.

Background on the Sanctions

The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) of the US Treasury Department has designated the 15 targets, which include a number of individuals and companies allegedly involved in the trafficking of thousands of kilograms of cocaine each month. The sanctions also include the identification of 10 vessels as blocked assets, which are allegedly used to transport narcotics from South America to Mexico and ultimately to the US.

The alleged scheme involves the use of a fleet of vessels based in Ecuador, near the city of Manta, which operate under the guise of legitimate fishing companies. However, according to the Treasury Department, these vessels are actually used to secretly transfer cocaine to small motorboats that then travel north through the Eastern Pacific Ocean to the US.

Individuals and Companies Sanctioned

The sanctions include a number of individuals and companies, such as Arcasdenoe, S.A., a family-owned company allegedly responsible for smuggling thousands of kilograms of cocaine from South America to Mexico. The company's owners, Alfonso Mero Mero and his sons, are also sanctioned, as is one of his sons, Edwar Mero Arcentales, who is accused of participating in narcotics trafficking activities in coordination with the Los Choneros organization.

Other individuals sanctioned include Julio Javier Mero Franco, who is accused of supporting the Los Choneros organization and coordinating the transport of approximately 30-40 tons of cocaine per month from Ecuador to Central America and Mexico. Milton Edixon Martínez Mendoza is also sanctioned, accused of supporting both the Los Lobos and Los Choneros organizations and coordinating the transport of thousands of kilograms of cocaine in small motorboats to Mexico.

US Response to Narcotics Trafficking

The US Treasury Department has stated that it will continue to work to disrupt the operations of narcotics trafficking organizations and protect US borders. The department's secretary, Scott Bessent, has said that the US will work tirelessly to combat narcotics trafficking networks that profit from poisoning Americans.

The sanctions are part of a broader effort by the US to combat narcotics trafficking and organized crime in the region. The US has imposed similar sanctions on individuals and companies in other countries, including Mexico, in an effort to disrupt the flow of narcotics into the US.