US Provides $45 Million Security Aid and Naval Vessels to Ecuador

Washington — U.S. Secretary of State Antony Rubio praised Ecuador on Tuesday as the United States’ “most involved and aggressive partner” in the fight against illicit narcotics, highlighting the depth of bilateral cooperation in recent anti‑drug operations. The commendation was delivered during a briefing at the State Department, where Rubio cited a series of joint interdictions and intelligence‑sharing initiatives that have intensified over the past year.

Rubio noted that Ecuador has increased its deployment of maritime patrols, expanded border‑control capabilities, and coordinated closely with U.S. agencies such as the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Office of National Drug Control Policy. Since the partnership’s renewal in 2022, the two nations have reported a 27 percent rise in seized cocaine shipments and a marked reduction in trafficking routes through the Pacific corridor. The United States has committed an additional $85 million in assistance for training, equipment, and alternative‑development programs, aiming to sustain the momentum of the collaborative effort. Rubio concluded that the Ecuadorian government’s proactive stance underscores a shared commitment to curbing drug trafficking and strengthening regional security.