Ecuador is currently facing a tragic increase in violent deaths, with 7,062 violent fatalities recorded in 2024 so far. As of this year, the country has already seen a jaw-dropping 5,268 murder suicides. This grim statistic is a stark reminder of the persistent threat posed by transnational organized crime. This latest wave of violence has highlighted the country’s failing judicial system. It showcases the deeply flawed idea that combatting drug trafficking isn’t a task that requires international cooperation.
So far in 2023, Ecuador has experienced 8,248 violent homicides. Such a dark figure confirms this country’s status as one of the most dangerous countries in Latin America. Rampant violence now engulfs Ecuador, largely attributed to the influence of organized crime. In this environment, Ecuadorian ports have become key transit points for drug flows under Ecuadorian criminal influence. According to the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, Ecuador ranks third globally in drug seizures, following the United States and Colombia.
The Guayaquil Port Authority issued an emergency declaration on August 25. They made this move in response to worsening security conditions such as increasing insecurity and continued extortion pressures. The people behind this declaration beautifully lay out the fragility that has characterized Ecuador’s port infrastructure and staff. Drug traffickers are taking advantage of these vulnerabilities to conduct their daily business.
In addition, President Daniel Noboa’s administration has been very proactive in their outreach to the international community. They are looking for allies in their fight against transnational crime. Noboa’s government recognizes the urgent need for enhanced capabilities and cooperation to combat the pervasive threat of organized criminal networks.
Experts from across the political spectrum concur that Ecuador needs deep reforms of its judicial system to combat the increasing wave of violence.
“We need to implement a radical reform of the judicial system in Ecuador. We have prosecutors who don’t work, judges who are bought off, and lawyers who are also bought off by organized crime groups. If this doesn’t happen in Ecuador, nothing good will come of it,” – Mario Pazmiño.
Pazmiño emphasized that national security should be doubled down along the border with Colombia. He suggested establishing a joint Ecuador-Colombia task force to prevent cocaine from entering Ecuadorian territory.
The ongoing conflict alarmed security analysts about an apparent adaptability of drug traffickers.
“What’s going to happen is that, by blocking this Caribbean corridor, drug traffickers will avoid continuing to transport drugs through that route because it’s more dangerous and they’ll incur greater losses. They’ll redirect the flow of drugs,” – Pazmiño added.
Daniel Pontón expressed similar worries. He highlighted the challenge of controlling the Pacific corridor, which has become even more difficult for Ecuador to control as traffickers adapt and evolve their routes.
“Drug traffickers know how to take advantage of any moment or vulnerability. Ecuador and other countries in the region need capabilities and cooperation. Joint action is required because the Navy’s capacity is limited,” – Pontón stated.
Given these threats, many experts cautioned against militarizing the response to organized crime. Michelle Maffei warned that imposing such requirements would create unintended consequences.
“What this will force is another political conflict. It won’t be a strategy against organized crime,” – Maffei explained. “The United States is focused on the Maduro government (in Venezuela). While they’re focused on removing Maduro, the illegal and criminal economy will move more drugs, using semi-submersible vessels or contaminated containers with greater vigor.”
Maffei’s words speak to a worry that pulling the safety net from Ecuador may worsen its current fragilities.
“This flow of drugs will no longer leave through Colombia or Venezuela. They will try to use Ecuadorian ports, which are one of our country’s greatest weaknesses and through which drugs are constantly leaving,” – Pazmiño remarked.
As Ecuador responds to this multidimensional crisis, the country stands at a pivotal crossroads with leadership urgently needed now. These challenging circumstances underscore the extreme necessity for strategic partnership. National and international stakeholders will have to work together to build the most effective strategies to fight organized crime and bring security back.
