Colombian and Ecuadorian Navies Dismantle Clandestine Shipyard in Esmeraldas

The Colombian Navy, in coordination with the Ecuadorian Navy and a United States unit, located and dismantled an artisanal infrastructure used for the construction of illegal naval artifacts in the Isla Canchimalero sector, Esmeraldas province. The combined operation strengthens international cooperation to combat organized crime networks operating in the maritime and fluvial spaces of the region.

As a result of control and surveillance efforts, authorities located a clandestine shipyard with the capacity to house between 10 and 12 people. At the site, 2,600 gallons of fuel, 40 fuel storage tanks, as well as fiberglass and resin, materials used for the manufacturing and outfitting of semi-submersibles intended for the illicit transport of substances to international maritime routes, were seized.

International cooperation in maritime security strengthens the protection of commercial routes, port infrastructure, and strategic corridors in the region. These actions contribute to preserving the integrity of maritime transport, reducing risks for logistical operations, and ensuring safer conditions for the development of international trade.