BTN News: In a big action against drug trafficking, Ecuadorian authorities, with help from the United States, caught Juan Carlos Chulca Chiliquinga, also known as “Chabalo,” and five other suspects on Sunday. Chulca, seen as a key military target, was arrested during a raid on a house in the coastal city of Manta, about 260 kilometers southwest of Quito. This operation is part of Ecuador’s strong efforts to fight organized crime and drug trafficking, especially in important places like Manta, which have become major points for criminal activities.
Chulca is said to be connected to the armed group Comandos de la Frontera, made up of former members of the disbanded Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). This group works in southern Colombia and northern Ecuador, fighting for control over illegal crop growing and drug trafficking routes. Military reports say Chulca has been active in the Putumayo trafficking route in Colombia and the Ecuadorian provinces of SucumbÃos and ManabÃ.
The arrest of Chulca, who has faced charges in Ecuador since 2023 for crimes like drug trafficking and illegal money making, is a big win for law enforcement. The Ecuadorian military called him a “high-value military target,” showing how important his arrest is in their larger plan against organized crime.
Seizure of Luxury Vehicles, Firearms, and Cash During Major Operation in Manta
The operation in Manta, a city under heavy security because it is important to criminal groups, also led to the taking of six luxury vehicles, firearms, and a lot of cash. This action aims to lower the high crime rates in the city, which is now under a state of emergency declared by President Daniel Noboa, limiting some civil rights to improve security.
Capture of Another Group Member in SucumbÃos Jungle Residence Shows Extensive Reach
This recent arrest follows the capture of another supposed member of Comandos de la Frontera, Cristián A., also called “Rola,” in mid-June. Rola was caught in a jungle house in the SucumbÃos province, showing the wide reach and working ability of these criminal groups.
Ecuador’s Central Role in Drug Storage and Distribution Due to Proximity to Colombia and Peru
Ecuador’s location between the world’s largest cocaine producers, Colombia and Peru, has made it a key place for storing and distributing drugs headed for Central America, the United States, and Europe. In the first half of this year alone, Ecuadorian police have seized 140 tons of drugs, showing how big the problem is for the country’s law enforcement agencies.
Ongoing Efforts to Combat Drug Trafficking and Organized Crime to Restore Security and Order
The arrest of Chulca and his partners is part of a larger effort to stop the actions of Comandos de la Frontera and other similar groups that cause violence and instability in the area. Last year, Ecuador reported 7,600 violent deaths linked to criminal activities, a big increase compared to the 2,978 killings recorded in the first half of 2024.
Ecuador’s ongoing fight against drug trafficking and organized crime shows the country’s promise to bring back security and order. As Ecuador keeps working with international partners, these operations are expected to become more common and successful, targeting key people in the criminal world and breaking up their networks.
