Ecuador and U.S. Forces Conduct Joint Operation, Dismantling Alleged CJNG-Linked Drug Trafficking Network

On the morning of September 24, troops from the U.S. Southern Command, DEA agents, and members of the National Police conducted their first joint operation in Ecuadorian territory. The operations concentrated on the provinces of Guayas, Los Ríos, and El Oro, specifically in the cantons of Guayaquil, Daule, Samborondón, Ventanas, Babahoyo, Puebloviejo, Vinces, and Machala. This deployment involved over 320 members of the National Police and 50 members of the U.S. Southern Command. The Minister of the Interior, John Reimberg, participated in the operation, which took place within the framework of the curfew in force in Guayas, El Oro, Los Ríos, and Manabí.

The operation led to the dismantling of a drug trafficking organization that, according to Ecuadorian authorities, maintained alleged ties to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). The investigation preceding this operation lasted approximately eight months. The organization was reportedly involved in the collection, intermediation, distribution, transportation, and commercialization of large quantities of drugs originating from Colombia. These substances were intended for sea shipment from the ports of Guayaquil and Machala to Central America, the United States, and Europe.

By approximately 06:15 on September 24, at least 39 individuals allegedly linked to this structure had been detained. Among those detained were two individuals located in exclusive urbanizations in Samborondón, Guayas. The alleged leader of the organization was arrested in Puerto Mocolí, while the alleged financier was captured in Riberas del Batán. During the raids, a U.S. prosecutor and a local prosecutor participated, with military personnel from the Southern Command providing information and technology to support the deployment.

What to watch

This joint operation marks a significant collaboration between Ecuadorian and U.S. forces in combating international drug trafficking. The focus on dismantling an organization with alleged ties to a major cartel like CJNG highlights the scale of the challenge. The involvement of U.S. personnel and technology indicates an enhanced level of international cooperation in security efforts within Ecuador.

Sources: eluniverso.com; eluniverso.com; eluniverso.com.