Ecuador is grappling with rising organized crime, a challenge it seems ill-equipped to handle, particularly as crime levels rise to those seen in Mexico and Colombia. On March 25, 2025, Spanish researcher Carlos Martín Beristain stated that Ecuador has "not been prepared" for such violence. He highlights the country's struggles with investigating criminal networks, the involvement of state agents in criminal activities, and providing adequate support to victims of human rights violations.
In a bid to combat this growing concern, Ecuadorian authorities have taken significant actions this year, including the demolition of around 20 houses linked to organized crime in the city of Durán. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to counter assassinations and extortion crimes that have plagued the region. On March 6, 2025, under the leadership of Minister of Defense Gian Carlo Loffredo, approximately 600 military and police personnel took part in an operation targeting houses used by criminal groups as operational bases. These demolitions are significant symbols of the current government's determination, led by President Daniel Noboa, to confront organized crime effectively.
The March 6 operation yielded substantial results, where authorities seized rifles, ammunition, dynamite, and over 10 kilos of drugs valued at about $200,000. Loffredo emphasized the government's firm stance on this issue, stating, "guarida que encontremos, guarida que será destruida," which translates to "any hideout we find will be destroyed." This reflects a policy of not allowing criminal structures to solidify their presence in the territory, especially in Durán, identified as one of the most violent areas in Ecuador due to ongoing disputes between criminal gangs such as the Chone Killers and Los Choneros.
Durán has seen a surge in criminal activity, including high murder rates and extortion targeting local businesses, transport sector workers, and fishermen. Moreover, its proximity to Guayaquil, the nation's most populous city, has made it a strategic corridor for drug trafficking and other transnational crimes. The scale of the government’s response showcases the severity of the situation. In recent months, various security operations have been launched across Ecuador, achieving significant outcomes.
On March 3, 2025, nearly 1,000 members of the Security Block conducted a mega-operation in Playas and Posorja, areas known as strongholds for groups like Los Choneros and Los Lobos. This effort resulted in the arrest of several criminals, including a notorious local leader known as "Gordo Tacuri," who is implicated in numerous crimes. Such operations have evidently ramped up enforcement and reflect the urgency surrounding the issue.
Notably, in February, Operation de Alto Impacto 2 led to the capture of 335 individuals across the country, involved in crimes ranging from drug trafficking to kidnapping and organized crime. Moreover, the extensive actions taken in the first part of March 2025 led to the arrest of 218 suspects in Zone 8, which includes Guayaquil, Durán, and Samborondón. This has been coupled with the seizure of over six tons of illicit substances and a variety of firearms, showing the scale of these criminal activities and the concerted action being taken against them.
As the government intensifies its security strategy ahead of the upcoming presidential runoff elections scheduled for April 13, 2025, concerns are growing that criminal groups may attempt to exploit the political climate. Recent intelligence reports suggest they may plan attacks to impact the electoral atmosphere, raising alarms as the nation prepares for a crucial decision between current President Noboa and leftist candidate Luisa González.
The government's crackdown on organized crime, while producing tangible results, faces significant ongoing challenges. Carlos Martín Beristain pointed out that not only is the nation ill-prepared for such violence but also lacks comprehensive mechanisms for addressing the deeper issues surrounding organized crime and human rights protection. There’s a mounting pressure on the government to ensure the security of its citizens while fostering an environment where rights can be maintained amidst growing lawlessness.
As Ecuador confronts these trials, it becomes evident that addressing organized crime in the nation will require a multi-faceted approach, balancing immediate law enforcement actions with longer-term strategies aimed at improving societal conditions and human rights protections. This may be the only path forward to ensure safety and stability in a country increasingly marked by criminal violence.
