Ecuadorian Authorities Seize Tons of Cocaine in Major Drug Trafficking Crackdown

Ecuadorian Authorities Seize Tons of Cocaine in Major Drug Trafficking Crackdown

Ecuadorian authorities have executed a series of operations to combat a growing issue of drug trafficking in the South American country, BNN Breaking has learned.

Named Emperador 775, Durres, and Anubis, these operations resulted in the seizure of tons of cocaine hydrochloride in the provinces of Guayas, Los Ríos, and Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas. These operations, carried out on the 21st and 22nd of September, unveiled a significant network of drug trafficking organizations operating within the country.

Operation Emperador 775: Dismantling Drug Storage Centers

Operation Emperador 775 led Ecuadorian authorities to a warehouse in the industrial park of Durán district. This location, far from being a regular storage facility, was operating as a drug storage center for a narcotics trafficking organization. The operation, carried out by Anti-narcotics officers, the Anticrime Investigation Unit (UIAN), and the Special Mobile Anti-narcotics Group (GEMA), resulted in the arrest of three Colombians and an Ecuadorian. Additionally, authorities confiscated 1,800 packages of cocaine hydrochloride.

Operation Durres: Targeting International Drug Trafficking

The second operation, Durres, involved agents from the UIACE (Intelligence Unit with European Coordination) and GEMA, supported by the Prosecutor’s Office and tactical teams. They raided seven locations across Guayas, Los Ríos, and Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas, arresting 10 individuals linked to drug trafficking crimes. The investigation revealed that the narcotics organization was transporting and storing drugs to be placed in the seaports of Guayaquil for shipping to international markets.

Operation Anubis: Residential Raid in Samanes

In Operation Anubis, agents from the Prosecutor’s Office and the National Police carried out a series of raids on residential properties in Samanes. The operation resulted in the arrest of five individuals linked to a narcotics organization.

The Overall Impact: A Significant Blow to Drug Trafficking

Altogether, the operations resulted in the arrest of 19 individuals and the seizure of nearly 4 tons of drugs, equivalent to about 36 million doses of cocaine. Authorities also confiscated 4 vehicles and over 5,000 dollars. These successful operations underline the ongoing efforts by Ecuadorian authorities to combat drug trafficking and associated crimes. The magnitude of these seizures provides a stark reminder of the scale of the challenges faced by nations like Ecuador in the global fight against drug trafficking.