The cocaine superhighway from Ecuador to Europe - the BBC reports on gangs and the police fightback

Ecuador’s police force, led by Captain Jean Carlos Bustamante, continues its high-stakes battle against powerful domestic gangs linked to transnational criminal networks. In the city of Durán, a hotspot for drug trafficking, officers conduct raids targeting suspected gang members and seized weapons. The operation highlights the escalating violence and organized crime threatening Ecuador’s stability. According to the country’s interior ministry, last year saw more than 9,200 murders, making it one of the deadliest nations globally. Despite intensified efforts by President Daniel Noboa, critics argue the government’s approach has failed to curb the crisis. The conflict stems from a surge in cocaine imports from neighboring Colombia and Peru, the world’s largest illicit drug producers. These narcotics flow into Ecuador via porous borders and are distributed by local gangs with ties to Mexican cartels and Albanian mafia groups. The gangs exploit Ecuador’s weak law enforcement and underfunded security infrastructure, using the country’s extensive Pacific coastline as a smuggling route. What was once a tranquil tourist destination has transformed into a battleground for control over drug trade profits. Captain Bustamante, a 34-year-old police officer, describes the challenges facing his unit. He acknowledges widespread corruption within the police force, claiming many officers are bribed by criminal organizations. Trust is limited to his handpicked team, which operates under strict discipline. During a recent raid, his team entered an abandoned house armed and prepared for confrontation. They discovered two firearms, both still functional, and ammunition for an assault rifle. While the seizure represents a minor tactical success, Bustamante emphasizes the broader imbalance of resources, noting that gangs possess far greater firepower and financial means than the state. The operation underscores the personal toll of the struggle. Bustamante has lost three close colleagues to gang-related violence, yet he remains undeterred. His family, however, fears for his safety. His mother repeatedly warns him to stay cautious, while his father regularly checks in to ensure his well-being. Despite these concerns, Bustamante insists he has long since abandoned fear, though he acknowledges the dangers remain ever-present. The scale of the problem extends beyond Ecuador’s borders. Approximately 70% of cocaine destined for Europe and the United States passes through Ecuador, according to President Noboa. This makes the nation a critical node in the global drug supply chain. The influx of narcotics has fueled violent competition among rival gangs, leading to frequent clashes and assassinations. The situation has worsened in recent years, with critics suggesting that the government’s heavy-handed tactics have inadvertently strengthened criminal networks rather than dismantling them. Despite the grim outlook, some officials remain committed to combating the crisis. Bustamante, for instance, continues to lead operations, relying on technology such as drones to monitor suspicious activity. During one such mission, he identified three individuals engaged in micro-trafficking near a playground. Within minutes, his team raided their residence, confronting a middle-aged woman and a young child. The search revealed further evidence of drug distribution, reinforcing the need for sustained enforcement. As the conflict intensifies, the question remains whether Ecuador can reclaim control over its territory from the grip of organized crime. With ongoing violence, political instability, and cross-border alliances, the path forward appears fraught with uncertainty. Yet, for officers like Bustamante, the fight continues, one operation at a time.