US delivers Palantir technology and interceptor vessel to Ecuador to combat drug trafficking
The US INL office announced agreements with Ecuador that include technology to track illicit money and a vessel for the Navy. The commitments complement the USD 55 million promised by Marco Rubio in September.
Washington praises Noboa and consolidates anti-narcotics cooperation package with Quito
The Government of the United States formalised a series of agreements with Ecuador to combat drug trafficking and organised crime, according to vistazo.com. The Office of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) revealed the details on Friday 13 November, accompanied by an explicit message of support for President Daniel Noboa.
"As Daniel Noboa works tirelessly to tame the chaos, INL is honoured to participate in his success," the US office stated in a statement released on social media.
The commitments were finalised during the visit to Ecuador by the Under Secretary of State for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, F. Cartwright Weiland, between 2 and 7 November 2026.
Palantir technology to track illicit financial networks
One of the central agreements was signed in Quito, where Weiland and Ecuadorian officials signed an agreement that will allow the Financial and Economic Analysis Unit (UAFE) to access data analysis technology from US company Palantir.
According to the State Department, the tool will improve the identification of illicit financial networks and will support judicial processes for money laundering. The stated objective is to cut off the illegal profits of narco-terrorist groups that, according to Washington, finance violence and corruption in the country.
Interceptor vessel for the Navy in the Galápagos
During his visit to the Galápagos, Weiland delivered a 38-foot interceptor vessel—approximately 11.6 metres—to the Ecuadorian Navy. The unit is part of a total of 14 vessels that the INL is providing to the Navy and the National Police to strengthen maritime security operations.
US authorities indicated that this equipment will allow them to intercept vessels used by drug traffickers, combat illegal unreported and unregulated fishing, and halt drug trafficking destined for the United States.
Renewal of agreement against kidnappings and extortion
Weiland and Interior Minister John Reimberg also renewed a cooperation agreement to strengthen the capacities of the National Police in the prevention and investigation of kidnappings and extortion. The original agreement was signed in 2024 and involves joint work between Ecuadorian authorities and US diplomatic representations.
Since then, the police unit specialised in kidnappings and extortion has collaborated with the US Embassy and Consulate, which has made it possible to rescue eight US citizens, according to the INL. The office emphasised that the protection of its nationals constitutes one of the priorities of President Donald Trump.
Statement of intent against illicit gold trafficking
As part of the announced commitments, Weiland and the Interior Ministry also signed a statement of intent to combat illicit gold trafficking, identified as an important source of income for narco-terrorist groups active in Ecuador.
Continuity of the USD 55 million promised by Rubio
The new agreements provide continuity to the USD 55 million assistance package that Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced during his visit to Ecuador in September. Of that amount, USD 45 million is intended to dismantle narco-terrorist groups, whilst the remaining USD 10 million is aimed at combating illegal gold mining, recruitment by criminal gangs, illicit finances and maritime drug trafficking.
Source: Google News EC — Crime