QUITO – Ecuadorian authorities seized nearly three tons of cocaine and arrested 11 people in two separate operations, Teleamazonas television reported.

Roughly a ton of the drug was found by naval units aboard two fishing boats that set out on Nov. 18 from the Pacific port of Manta.

The cocaine was bound for Europe via Central America, according to the network, which said the navy took nine people into custody.

Two other people were arrested in connection with the discovery of almost two tons of cocaine packed in hidden compartments aboard three speedboats, Teleamazonas said. EFE