World · On the front line of Ecuador's drugs war, police fight gangs, guns and corruption
Ecuador's police confront surging drug crime amid gang violence and corruption
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Why it matters
Ecuador has become a critical battleground in Latin America's drug war, with police facing unprecedented challenges from organized crime networks that have destabilized the country and assassinated political figures, reflecting broader regional security crises.
Ecuador's police are battling a dramatic escalation in drug-related crime as gangs and cartels expand operations throughout the country. Officers on patrol face threats from heavily armed criminal organizations while contending with internal corruption that undermines enforcement efforts. The violence has reached the highest levels of politics. Prosecutors have charged seven individuals—including a former minister and the leader of cartel Los Lobos—in connection with the assassination of presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio. Six of the defendants, among them the cartel leader, have been accused of playing an indirect role in the murder. Ecuador's crisis reflects broader challenges across Latin America, where neighboring Colombia has similarly intensified its response to drug trafficking and armed groups.
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Prosecutors have charged seven individuals in connection with the assassination of presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio.
NO SOURCEAmong those charged is a former minister.
NO SOURCEAmong those charged is the leader of cartel Los Lobos.
NO SOURCESix of the defendants have been accused of playing an indirect role in the murder of Fernando Villavicencio.
NO SOURCEThe cartel leader is among the six defendants accused of playing an indirect role in the murder.
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