Security Forces Warn Organized Crime May Overwhelm Ecuador

An assessment by the security forces reportedly says that Ecuador is home to an increasing number of organized criminal groups, and that the authorities have underestimated the problem.

Ecuador Weapons Seizure Points to Thriving Small Arms Trade

Ecuador's military seized 170 firearms in the south of the country, raising the issue once again of the country's importance as a transit nation for small arms moving to Colombia.

Ecuador Captures Alleged Link Between 'Loco' Barrera, Sinaloa Cartel

Police in Ecuador have captured a man who allegedly serves as the link between powerful drug cartels in Colombia and Mexico, in a sign that the authorities could be moving…

Ecuador to Get More Cheetah Planes, in Warning to Colombia

Ecuador's President Rafeal Correa announced that 12 South African-built Cheetah fighter-bombers would arrive in the country this year.

Ecuador Navy Intercepts 'Narco-Sub,' Arrests Crew

The Ecuadorian military reported detecting a semi-submersible drug trafficking vessel off the country’s Pacific Coast, though it was scuttled before officials could inspect its contents.

Ecuador deploys more troops against Colombian illegal groups

Ecuador has sent another 10,000 more troops to the border with Colombia, hoping to close down room for maneuver for Colombian rebels and paramilitary groups, which use the country to…

Ecuador Destroys 4,000 Illegal Weapons

The Ecuadorian Army has destroyed almost 4,000 illegal weapons seized by the military and the police over the past year.

Ecuador Criminal Gangs Show Military-Style Training: Police

Quito’s police chief has warned that the Ecuadorean security forces may be involved in organized crime, noting that the professionalism of some attacks carried out in the city suggest that…

Ecuador Touts Increased Cocaine Seizures in 2011

Police in Ecuador claim to have seized significantly more cocaine this year than last, but total cocaine seizures are still far lower than in 2009.

Could Ecuador See Rise of a Home-Grown Rebel Insurgency?

A clandestine leftist organization has claimed responsibility for two bombings in Ecuador’s largest city, sparking concerns about a nascent insurgency in the South American country.

Ecuador Poppy Field Find Highlights Shifting Heroin Production

The discovery of an illicit poppy field in Ecuador draws attention to increasing production of heroin in Latin America, with the crop moving into new territories like Guatemala.

Ecuador to Debate Decriminalization

Proposed changes to Ecuador's penal code would decriminalize possession of drugs for personal use, including up to 10 grams of marijuana and hashish, four grams of opium, five grams of…