Daily coverage from across the country, written for the expat community
Results for “arrest”Clear
Ronald Javier Macias Villamar, known as alias Javi and identified as the brother of Los Choneros leader alias Fito, was captured in Colombia. Ecuadorian officials say the operation involved the National Police, Armed Forces, National Intelligence Center and Colombian authorities.
Authorities detained 16 people on San Cristobal after an operation near the Muelle de los Marinos. Police reported the seizure of boats, outboard motors, mobile phones and electronic devices in a fuel-trafficking investigation.
Interior Minister John Reimberg confirmed today that the nationwide nighttime curfew will end as scheduled on May 18. Operations during the curfew so far have produced over 2,000 detentions, 331 weapons seized, and nearly 500 people linked to criminal organizations.
Over 2,000 people detained in 9 days. The penalty for violating curfew is up to 3 years in prison. Here's what every resident needs to know about the enforcement, exceptions, and your rights.
From May 3-10, security forces conducted 221 raids across nine provinces. Over 400 people were identified as members of criminal organizations.
The curfew that started May 3 is producing results — 500+ detained in the first two days, including 80+ wanted individuals captured during enforcement operations. Here is what has changed since our initial guide.
The government handed over 230 new patrol vehicles in Machala this week, bringing the 2026 total to 420. The $21.3 million purchase was funded by private-sector contributions under Ecuador's security law.
National Police executed Operation Apolo 19 in Quito's Quitumbe district on April 17, arresting 30 people across Guamaní, Turubamba, Chillogallo, La Ecuatoriana, and Las Cuadras. 53 officers participated. Seizures included 1 firearm, 20 bladed weapons, 14 detonators, 58 rounds of ammunition, 1.5 kg of cocaine, and 11 stolen vehicles.
A 16-person fuel trafficking ring operating across six provinces since October 2024 has been dismantled. Three active-duty military members, five police officers, and eight civilians were detained. A judge has ordered preventive detention for 15 of them on charges tied to hydrocarbon diversion and support for criminal organizations.
Ecuador's military intercepted $50,540 in counterfeit $20 bills at Quito's Carcelén bus terminal on Sunday, April 12. The fakes — more than 5,000 bills — were handed to the National Police. Worth knowing if you handle dollar cash in Ecuador.
President Noboa said Ecuador would welcome US military troops to fight organized crime, provided they operate under Ecuadorian Armed Forces command. Joint operations are already underway, including Pacific naval exercises with the USS Nimitz and a border strike against Comandos de la Frontera.
After Colombia's President Petro asked Noboa to release former Vice President Jorge Glas during a meeting in the Galápagos, Ecuador's government pushed back hard — rejecting the 'political prisoners' framing and affirming that Glas is detained for corruption, not politics.
