Ecuadorian authorities announced the seizure of more than ten tons of cocaine during seven operations conducted in international waters over the span of three weeks, with the support of the U.S. Coast Guard.

Since 2024, the government of President Daniel Noboa has been waging a “war” against gangs engaged primarily in drug trafficking and other criminal activities, allegedly linked to international cartels.

Ecuador is facing a wave of violence due to clashes between rival gangs. According to InSight Crime, in 2024 the country was the most dangerous in Latin America, with a homicide rate of 39 per 100,000 inhabitants.

“We carried out seizures of 10.3 tons” of cocaine, which has been placed at the disposal of the judiciary for destruction, said Vladimir Acuario, the police chief in Manta (southwest), during a press conference.

In coordination with Ecuador’s navy, a U.S. Coast Guard unit arrived in Manta to deliver the narcotics and 18 detainees who had been captured aboard vessels transporting them.

The Ministry of Defense stated on X that the seven operations took place in international waters in the Pacific Ocean between August 2 and 22.

With a dollarized economy and strategically important Pacific ports, Ecuador has in recent years become a key hub for trafficking cocaine to markets in the United States—the world’s largest consumer of the drug—and Europe.

According to authorities, about 20 gangs operate in the country, primarily involved in drug trafficking, kidnappings, and extortion.

Official figures show that 73% of the cocaine produced globally passes through Ecuadorian ports.

In 2024, authorities in Quito announced a record seizure of 294 tons of narcotics—mainly cocaine—compared to 221 tons in 2023.