Ecuador was once one of the safest countries in Latin America,  but in the last 10 years it's had one of the highest murder rates in the region.  
Since taking office last year, President Daniel Noboa declared war against the drug cartels, and recently won a referendum to impose harsher laws.

Quito

Ecuador, once hailed as one of the safest countries in Latin America, has seen a dramatic shift over the past decade to become one of the regions with the highest homicide rates. In response to the escalating violence, President Daniel Noboa, who took office last year, has embarked on an aggressive campaign against drug cartels. This commitment was bolstered by a recent referendum victory that allows for the implementation of stricter laws aimed at combating drug-related crimes.

In the heart of Ecuador's battle against narcotics is Guayaquil, identified as a major hub for drug trafficking activities. The government's strategy involves intensified operations by tactical motorcycle units in high-risk areas such as Yesi, notorious for its drug sale and consumption. Yesi is named after a former police officer who infamously joined a criminal group, exemplifying the complex challenge law enforcement faces in eradicating drug violence. Despite these efforts, challenges persist, especially in zones closer to the river which serves as a vital route for transporting drugs to major ports.

Local residents and fishermen express mixed feelings towards the police presence, citing ongoing issues with corruption within the force. However, there is a palpable desire among the population for improved security, as exemplified by the apprehension of a significant gang leader recently. Amidst these developments, President Noboa secured a constitutional reform through a public vote to toughen legislation against drug trafficking. Yet, with a limited 18-month term, Noboa faces a tight timeline to enforce meaningful reforms before the upcoming elections. Nevertheless, the president remains hopeful that a strong security policy will resonate with voters and aid in his re-election campaign for 2025. Amid ongoing challenges, the citizens of Ecuador are increasingly placing their trust in these new security measures, aspiring for a return to peace and safety in their country.



Ecuador has one of the highest homicide rates

This is the tactical motorcycle unit carrying out an operation in Guayaquil, known to be the drug trafficking hub in Ecuador. President Daniel Novoa has intensified police operations against drug gangs, declaring a war on cartels. We accompanied the unit to an area known as Yesi, named after a police officer who went rogue and joined a criminal group. These are areas with chronic problems of consumption and sale of drugs. Most of the action happens at night. The situation has improved a bit, but it's still very complicated here. Ecuador was once a quiet nation in the region, but in the last decade it has been taken over by drug-related violence. We're told that here in Guayaquil the situation gets more violent when you get close to the river, because criminal organisations are fighting for access to the river. It leads towards this country's major ports and that's where drugs are trafficked out of the country. According to the police, many of these boats are involved in the trade. But fishermen tend to view police officers with suspicion, saying corruption is a common thing among the police force. Fernando says the security situation in Ecuador in the past year has gotten out of control. I like seeing the police because here in Ecuador it's all a disaster. I'm picking up shrimps. When I'm here, the only thing I see is bad news. This week, authorities detained the leader of a powerful gang in the country. And last Sunday, President Novoa won a vote to reform the constitution and implement harsher laws against those involved in the drug trade. But Novoa is serving a short-term, 18-month presidential term, and it's unlikely he will have enough time to carry out major reforms. Elections are happening early next year. We all know the military on the streets is not the solution, and that it's unlikely that he'll be able to implement any reforms fast. But the president is convinced that security is what will guarantee his re-election in 2025, and that's why they're advertising this hard-line policy. As the drug trade continues to transform Ecuador, many of the people living here are putting their faith in the president's security plan, hoping it will succeed.

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