Authorities in Ecuador announced on Thursday that they had seized nearly 14 tons of drugs intended for Central America, the United States, and Europe. The operation involved over 40 raids conducted across the country, resulting in the arrest of 28 individuals and the confiscation of 13.6 tons of drugs. Interior Minister Juan Zapata provided this information on X, formerly known as Twitter.

The raids took place in eight out of Ecuador's 24 provinces, where criminal violence and drug trafficking have been on the rise. In recent years, the country has seen a significant increase in homicides, with the rate quadrupling between 2018 and 2022, reaching a record high of 26 per 100,000 inhabitants. Experts predict that the rate of violent deaths will nearly double to 40 this year.

According to the police, the drug trafficking gangs involved in this operation have "transnational links" and consist of individuals from Ecuador, Colombia, and Venezuela. The drugs were transported by boats across the Pacific Ocean, departing from provinces in the southwestern and northwestern regions of Ecuador.

Situated between Colombia and Peru, two of the world's largest cocaine producers, Ecuador has become a key player in the drug trade due to its strategic location. Criminal organizations in Ecuador maintain connections with international criminal groups such as Mexico's Sinaloa Cartel and the Jalisco New Generation Cartel.

The seizure of nearly 14 tons of drugs is a significant blow to the drug trafficking networks operating in Ecuador. Authorities have been working diligently to combat the growing influence of these criminal organizations and have confiscated over 500 tons of drugs since 2021. The recent operation demonstrates the country's commitment to tackling drug trafficking and maintaining security within its borders.

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