"In February 2023, an article in the Mexican press announced the capture of a vessel some 195 nautical miles from the port of Lazaro Cardenas in the state of Michoacan. It had been carrying nearly 700 pounds of cocaine packaged in plastic-wrapped bricks, in addition to 1,650 liters of hydrocarbons in 33 plastic containers. Two Ecuadorian fishermen were among the five detainees, and their immigration records showed unusual activity."
"Both had arrived by air from Mexico, Guatemala, and El Salvador on several occasions since 2016. But there were no records of them leaving Ecuadorian soil by plane. Apparently, their movements followed a pattern: they departed from the coast of Manabi province with illegal cargo that they delivered on the high seas, then abandoned their boats, only to return to their country of origin on commercial flights."
In February 2023 authorities captured a vessel 195 nautical miles from the port of Lazaro Cardenas carrying nearly 700 pounds of cocaine and 1,650 liters of hydrocarbons in 33 containers. Two Ecuadorian fishermen were detained among five suspects; immigration records showed repeated air arrivals from Mexico, Guatemala and El Salvador without corresponding departures from Ecuador. Operatives reportedly departed from Manabí, delivered illegal cargo at sea, abandoned boats, and returned home on commercial flights. The organization was led by Leonardo Briones Chiquito (alias Iguana or Mexicano), linked to Los Lobos and in conflict with Los Choneros. Investigations using wiretaps, surveillance and raids documented expansion into extortion, mining, kidnapping, trafficking in marine species, and recruitment of sailors to transport drugs by speedboat.
Read at english.elpais.com
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