US and Ecuadorean forces conducted joint anti-drug operations in Ecuador.

Why this matters: Ecuador has become a key transit hub for global cocaine trafficking. Increased cooperation signals stronger regional efforts to disrupt supply chains.

• Operation targeted network linked to Los Lobos gang.

• Europol and European officers supported investigation.

• Sixteen suspects arrested, including a “high-value target”.

• Police seized 3.7 tonnes of cocaine in the Netherlands.

• More than three tonnes seized in Belgium and half a tonne in Ecuador.

• Drugs hidden in fruit containers bound for Europe.

• $810,000 in cash recovered during investigation.

• Los Lobos previously designated a Foreign Terrorist Organization by the US.

• Talks held on expanding US-Ecuador security coordination at ports and airports.

What’s next:Further joint operations and intelligence-sharing are expected. US deployments and regional anti-drug measures may expand.