Ecuadorian security forces intercepted two boats south of San Cristobal Island in the Galapagos archipelago, seizing 77 bags of cocaine weighing approximately 2,500 kilograms, along with 37 fuel drums intended for drug trafficking.

Seven individuals, all Ecuadorian nationals, were arrested aboard the two fishing vessels.

A member of the international investigative team focused on combatting drug trafficking informed “Vijesti” that they are currently investigating the smuggling operation.

The smugglers were found transporting 37 bags on one vessel and 40 sacks on the other.

Authorities also uncovered a GPS buoy, suggesting the drugs were scheduled to be dumped at a specific location in the sea for later retrieval.

Following the boats’ interception, the security forces turned over the confiscated materials to the proper authorities.

This operation follows the seizure of about two tons of cocaine from a merchant vessel more than 80 kilometers from Manta on February 15.

The drugs were housed in approximately 20 large packages, with the cocaine “cubes” marked by at least four distinct logos.

This operation was executed after receiving intelligence regarding potential contamination of the ship; the Navy, supported by the Coast Guard and Marines, intercepted the vessel to conduct a thorough search.

“Yugoslavs” wreaking havoc in Ecuador

Last year, Ecuadorian National Police dismantled a criminal syndicate engaging in money laundering linked to international drug trafficking, with members originating from the former Yugoslavia.

During this operation, a Serbian drug lord, Srdjan Jezdimir, was also apprehended. An insider in the investigation revealed that Jezdimir’s connections and dubious activities with various Montenegrin, Serbian, and Bosnian citizens were noted prior to his arrest, with many identified as part of organized crime networks involved in international cocaine smuggling.

The same insider indicated that financial transactions involving these individuals had been unearthed, suggesting that the investigation would extend to them.

A Serbian citizen, originally from Laktaš (BiH), has been residing long-term in South America and was arrested for drug trafficking.

He is among dozens of individuals from the former Yugoslavia whose illegal activities in South America were reported by “Vijesti” last September, when their identities were withheld due to ongoing investigations.

Reports mentioned that following the tumultuous events of the nineties and a wave of murders tied to the then State Security Administration (UDBA), many younger individuals from those teams migrated southward to escape. Notably, Dobroslav Gavrić traveled first to Croatia using a false identity, then to Italy, and finally to Cuba and Ecuador, making his way to South Africa in 2007. Numerous others have relocated to Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Panama.

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