Ecuador is grappling with a devastating drugs war, with police fighting against gangs, guns, and corruption, resulting in over 9,200 people killed last year, according to the country's interior ministry. In the city of Durán, Police Captain Jean Carlos Bustamante is leading the charge against the gangs, despite facing numerous challenges, including corruption within his own unit.

Corruption and Gang Violence in Ecuador

Captain Bustamante believes that the only police officers he can trust are the ones in his hand-picked team, due to the presence of corrupt officials within the state and politics. The city of Durán is controlled by a group called Los Aguilas, and locals are afraid to speak out against the gangs, fearing violent retribution. The murder rate in Ecuador was one of the highest in the world last year, with around 70% of the cocaine reaching Europe and the US being funnelled out of the country.

The police are making efforts to contain the gangs, with the murder rate in Durán decreasing by half in the first six months of this year. However, the war against the gangs is far from over, with many believing it will never be won. The gangs have "many weapons and much more money than the state", according to Captain Bustamante, who has lost three close friends fighting against them.

Challenges Facing the Police

The police face numerous challenges in their fight against the gangs, including corruption within the justice system and the prosecutor's office. Many gang members are released from prison due to corrupt officials, only to continue their criminal activities. The police are also struggling to keep up with the gangs' sophisticated networks and tactics, with some officers being bribed or threatened by the gangs.

Despite these challenges, the police remain determined to continue their efforts against the gangs. Captain Bustamante believes that they can win the war, but it will require a long-term commitment and a concerted effort from all levels of government and society. The international community is also being called upon to provide support and assistance to Ecuador in its fight against the gangs and drug trafficking.

International Implications

The drugs war in Ecuador has significant international implications, with the country being a major transit point for cocaine reaching Europe and the US. The gangs' links to Mexican cartels and Albanian mafia groups have also raised concerns about the global reach of organized crime. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the Ecuadorian government and the international community will respond to the challenges posed by the gangs and drug trafficking.

For now, the people of Durán and other affected cities remain trapped in a cycle of violence and fear, with the police and gangs locked in a struggle for control. The outcome of this struggle will have far-reaching consequences not only for Ecuador but also for the wider region and beyond.

  • Over 9,200 people were killed in Ecuador last year
  • Around 70% of the cocaine reaching Europe and the US is funnelled out of Ecuador
  • The murder rate in Durán has decreased by half in the first six months of this year