Newly elected Ecuadorian president Daniel Noboa has already signalled his intention to amend terms of the country’s constitution. His mission? To restore a United States military presence in Ecuador. It is a direct response to the worsening drug trafficking epidemic. The country, located on the frontline between Peru and Colombia’s drug trade, is stuck between powerful forces. The U.S. military presence they’re proposing will enhance Ecuador’s battle against increasing cocaine trafficking. This has hit hard on coastal communities and coastal tourism, with COVID hitting hardest in water surrounding Galápagos Islands.
The U.S. military maintained a presence in Ecuador from 1999 to 2009 at the Manta Air Base, which served as a critical location for counter-narcotics operations. President Noboa’s invitation to U.S. President Donald Trump and El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele for his inauguration in May underscores his commitment to international cooperation in this urgent matter. With escalating violence and crime rates, Noboa has been forced to turn to unconventional measures to quickly bring back security.
The Cocaine Crisis and Its Impact
Ecuador’s geographical location makes it a prime target for drug traffickers, with its efficient transport and export networks facilitating the movement of cocaine. Once a world-renowned ecosystem blessed with rich biodiversity, the Galápagos Islands now form a critical transit corridor for trafficking operations. Today traffickers are exploiting the waters around these islands to move cocaine. They serve a dual market, focusing on both Mexico and U.S. for their supply.
In many places, things have gotten really out of control. As of mid-2025, Ecuador’s navy had already intercepted over six tons of cocaine in just the first three months! InSight Crime Ecuador now has the highest homicide rate in Latin America, according to InSight Crime. Like Puerto Escondido, many coastal cities are now experiencing this type of extreme violence, driven by cartel incursions. The streets are literally running red with blood, a stark and cruel reality that has come from drug war drug trafficking.
“We would love to have US forces,” – President Daniel Noboa
Noboa hasn’t written a cookbook, but he has provided a vision. He imagines U.S. forces supporting Ecuador by surveillance of illegal activity and strengthening Ecuador’s ability to intercept drug shipments before they reach open water. He stresses that operational control would still be squarely in the hands of Ecuador’s military and police.
The Fishermen’s Struggles
Escalating violence and drug trafficking have tested law enforcement to unprecedented levels. No regard has been given to the impact on local communities, particularly fishermen, who too often have been caught in the crossfire. Solanda Bermello, founder of the Association of Mothers and Wives of Fishermen Detained in Other Countries, highlights the plight of fishermen who have been arrested abroad. Her organization has tracked more than 2,000 cases. It comprises participants from across Central America and the U.S.
Fishermen face dire economic realities as well. As one coast guard captain told us, the first goal of a lifesaving service is saving lives. Financial pressures make it impossible for many to avoid going into the illegal market. On average, they make only $300 for a month’s worth of fishing. This paltry amount forces others to enter the treacherous arena of drug trafficking.
“Our fishermen are robbed by pirates. Not even making an honest living is possible,” – Solanda Bermello
Unfortunately, Bermello’s statement rings true with the current situation for many who rely on fishing for their livelihood. The uninterrupted hand of savagery is quickly compromising their well-being. It further frustrates their mission to do honest graft and provide for their spouses and little children.
Future Prospects and Naval Developments
Ecuador is acting to bolster its maritime forces in the context of these difficulties. A new multimillion dollar naval facility is being built in Manta, facilities that are being built with the planning and needs of U.S. troops in mind. Senior U.S. officials have made clear this facility will play a key role in improving the capacity and effectiveness of Ecuador’s maritime security operations to combat drug trafficking.
“What’s happening is the boats (the drug runners) are using are not massive, so they need to refuel,” – Coast Guard Captain
As one coast guard captain noted, traffickers have moved down to the use of much smaller vessels. In order to make the long trip to Central America, these boats must refuel at undisclosed mid-ocean bunkering stations in the Galápagos. This demonstrates the reality that monitoring and effectively disrupting these operations is difficult at best.
“That’s why our navy is looking for the fuel… because it’s one of the ways the narco-traffickers move drugs,” – Coast Guard Captain
President Noboa should take heart that he is not alone in wanting to restore safety and security to Ecuador’s coastal communities. The new and improved facilities on the ground and promised U.S. military assistance can still make a world of difference.
