Ecuadorian security forces, with support from the US military's Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), carried out the Factoria and Jerico operations against networks allegedly linked to the country's leading criminal organizations.
The operations took place in the provinces of Guayas, Santo Domingo, El Oro, Los Rios, Manabi and Esmeraldas. Ecuadorian National Police Commander General Pablo Vinicio Davila announced that 43 suspects had been arrested in 36 simultaneous raids.
Among those arrested were two priority suspects identified by the code names "CC" and "Leon." Ecuadorian Interior Minister John Reimberg said that two Mexican nationals were among the suspects.
Alleged drug trafficking flights
Reimberg said the two men were believed to have operated flights transporting cocaine shipments to Mexico and the United States for the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. The Factoria and Jerico operations targeted networks allegedly linked to the Los Lobos and Los Choneros criminal organizations.
The operations dismantled two clandestine airstrips reportedly used for international drug trafficking. The teams also seized a light aircraft, 21 vehicles, approximately 1,000 liters of aviation fuel, 47 mobile phones, communications equipment, firearms, ammunition, bulletproof vests and cash.
Significant quantities of cocaine and synthetic drugs were also found during the raids. The joint operation was conducted by the Ecuadorian Attorney General's Office in coordination with the DEA and SOUTHCOM.
Washington-Quito cooperation
SOUTHCOM Commander General Francis Donovan praised the initial results of the operations and described the raids as successful. Donovan called the joint effort "a decisive victory" for the region.
The operations were among the most extensive joint counternarcotics efforts carried out after the government of Daniel Noboa opened the door to a broader presence of US military and law enforcement personnel on Ecuadorian territory.
The operations followed the designation of the Los Lobos, Los Choneros and Chone Killers organizations as foreign terrorist organizations during the administration of US President Donald Trump. The designation expanded intelligence sharing and tactical cooperation between Washington and Quito.
