US sinks vessel allegedly supporting drug trafficking operations in Eastern Pacific

The US military intercepted and sank a vessel that was allegedly being used to support at-sea drug trafficking by an Ecuadorian criminal organization, according to a statement Thursday.

The US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) said the "floating refueling station" was used in support of the illegal operations in international waters of the Eastern Pacific.

"Intelligence confirmed the vessel was operating in support of the Los Choneros violent narco-terrorist organization. Littoral Combat Force 24 launched from USS San Antonio (LPD 17), interdicted, boarded, searched and cleared the vessel without incident," SOUTHCOM said in the statement.

Individuals removed from the vessel will be safely transferred to Ecuadorian authorities, it noted, adding that US forces sank the vessel.

"The @DeptofWar (Defense Department) and the A3C (Americas Counter Cartel Coalition) remain unwavering in their mission to defeat narco-terrorists in the Western Hemisphere and defend our homeland," the statement added.