From Ecuador to Mexico: This is the narco-alliance of Los Choneros and Los Lobos with the Sinaloa Cartel and the CJNG

The most recent US designation of Los Choneros and Los Lobos as foreign terrorist organizations exposes the impact these Ecuadorian groups have on international drug trafficking and their connections to major Mexican cartels.

The US State Department reported this Thursday that both gangs, active in Ecuador, have served as key allies for the Sinaloa Cartel (CDS) and the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), expanding their criminal operations along various routes to North America and Europe.

“Their ultimate objective is to control the drug trafficking routes that cross Ecuador, terrorizing and inflicting brutal violence on the Ecuadorian population,” the announcement reads.

The relationship between Los Choneros and the Sinaloa Cartel has been crucial to the growth and consolidation of the Ecuadorian organization in the international drug trafficking landscape.

This alliance has been based on strategic collaboration for the trafficking of cocaine from Colombia. To this end, Los Choneros facilitated the export of drugs through key ports in Ecuador, such as Guayaquil, Esmeraldas, and Manta, where they had logistical and territorial control.

Their main function was to operate as the logistical arm of the Sinaloa Cartel in South America, ensuring the protection of shipments and armed security for maritime routes to the United States and Europe.

According to authorities, the strengthening of Los Choneros began when they established direct links with the cartel historically led by Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán and Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada, who are now detained in the United States.