A solid majority of Ecuadoran voters approved the extradition to the United States of organized crime bosses in a referendum on measures against drug trafficking and gangs, the electoral council said.

Quito

In a decisive move to combat escalating gang violence and drug trafficking, Ecuadoran voters have shown strong support for a set of measures that include the extradition of organized crime bosses to the United States. This decision, confirmed by the country's electoral council, represents a pivotal moment in Ecuador's efforts to rein in criminal activities that have surged in recent years.

During a referendum that took place under tight security, Ecuadorians cast their votes on various proposals aimed at strengthening the government's capacity to address the challenges posed by gangs and drug trafficking networks. Among the measures approved is the enhancement of police and military collaboration, which includes the introduction of regular joint patrols to bolster security on the streets of Ecuador.

Moreover, the referendum outcomes include provisions for extending prison sentences for those convicted of murder, drug trafficking, and terrorism. Additionally, a significant constitutional change was approved, lifting the ban on extraditing Ecuadorians wanted for crimes in other countries. This legal adjustment opens the door for individuals involved in organized crime to be extradited to the United States, where they could face charges.

The decision comes at a critical time for Ecuador, a country that has seen a dramatic rise in violence and has become a central player in the cocaine smuggling operations that afflict the continent. With one of the highest murder rates in South America, the nation recorded approximately 8,000 violent deaths last year alone. The government, under President Daniel Noboa, has expressed optimism that these new measures will significantly improve the situation, bringing much-needed peace and security back to Ecuadorian families.



Ecuador approves extradition, anti-gang measures in referendum

A referendum under the watch of armed soldiers in a country that's experiencing spiralling gang violence. Ecuadorians were asked to vote on a raft of measures aimed at allowing the government to ramp up its fight against gangs, all easily passed. Even before the official result, President Daniel Noboa was welcoming victory, saying the government would have more tools to fight crime and restore peace to Ecuadorian families. The overwhelming yes vote will allow for an increased military presence on Ecuador's streets by introducing regular joint patrols between police and the army. I believe there will be significant changes because giving the armed forces the opportunity to help combat crime will be something positive. I feel there is a shortage of personnel to help combat insecurity. Other measures approved include longer prison sentences for murdered drug trafficking and terrorism offences, and the removal of a constitutional ban on the extradition of wanted Ecuadorians. Ecuador was once one of South America's most peaceful countries, but now has the region's highest murder rate. Police recorded around 8,000 violent deaths last year. As the presence of cocaine smuggling gangs in the continent has swelled over the last decade, they've turned once stable nations like Ecuador into key players in the global drug trade.

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