Drug Smuggler Caught On The High Seas With 1,828 Kilograms Of Cocaine To 235 Months’ Imprisonment

On December 4, 2025, United States District Court Judge Terry F. Moorer sentenced Denny Andres Mero Anchundia, an Ecuadorian national, to 235 months’ imprisonment for smuggling approximately 1,828 kilograms of cocaine in the Pacific Ocean following his guilty plea on the charges.

Court documents show that on March 3, 2025, while on routine patrol in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, United States Coast Guard (USCG) Cutter Kimball detected a vessel that was suspected of smuggling drugs. The vessel was without nationality, in international waters, had visible packages onboard, fuel barrels on deck, and three outboard engines.

The Kimball intercepted the drug smuggling vessel which complied with USCG directions. Once dead in the water, the USCG boarding team came alongside and gained positive control of the drug smugglers. The boarding team confirmed the packages were consistent with cocaine and determined the vessel was without nationality. The boarding team then transferred the six persons onboard, including Anchundia, and the cocaine back to the Kimball. Once onboard, the boarding team was determined the weight of the cocaine as approximately 1,828 kilograms. The drug smuggling vessel was sunk due to being a hazard to navigation. The six crew members were brought the United States and charged under the Maritime Drug Law Enforcement Act.

United States Attorney Sean P. Costello made the announcement. 

The case was investigated by the United States Coast Guard and the Department of Homeland Security - Homeland Security Investigations.

Assistant United States Attorney George F. May prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.

This case was prosecuted as a part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.