On the front line of Ecuador's drugs war, police fight gangs, guns and corruption
Summary
Police in the Ecuadoran city of Durán are battling violent gangs involved in drug trafficking, facing not only criminals but also corruption within their own ranks. The city has become a major route for cocaine from Colombia and Peru to reach global markets, with drug violence causing a high murder rate despite government crackdowns.Key Facts
- Durán, Ecuador is a city heavily affected by drug gangs and violence.
- Police Captain Jean Carlos Bustamante leads a trusted team fighting against gangs armed with many weapons.
- Corruption exists inside the police and government, with some officials paid by gangs.
- The gangs control neighborhoods through fear, killing anyone who speaks out against them.
- Approximately 70% of the cocaine reaching Europe and the US passes through Ecuador.
- Cocaine supply comes mainly from Colombia and Peru, the world’s biggest producers.
- Ecuador’s long coastline and weak border controls help drug gangs smuggle cocaine.
- Despite arrests and crackdowns ordered by President Daniel Noboa, the murder rate remains very high and gang violence has grown worse.
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