Daily coverage from across the country, written for the expat community
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A joint Europol-Ecuador operation dismantled a Los Lobos-linked trafficking network, seizing 3.7 tonnes of cocaine in the Netherlands, 3+ tonnes in Belgium, and over half a tonne in Ecuador. 16 arrested including a high-value target. $810,000 in cash confiscated.
The two-week nightly curfew across four coastal provinces ends March 30, concluding the largest single anti-narcotics mobilization in South American history. 75,000 soldiers and police were deployed with U.S. Reaper drone support and FBI intelligence.
The FBI opened a permanent office at the U.S. Embassy in Quito on March 12, assigning a full-time agent to coordinate joint investigations targeting drug trafficking, weapons smuggling, and money laundering. Ecuador simultaneously created a new National Police unit to work alongside the bureau.
Ecuador's security situation varies dramatically by region. The highlands — including Quito, Cuenca, and Loja — remain relatively stable, while coastal provinces face serious security challenges. Here is a province-by-province overview for expats.
Ecuadorian journalist Jose Vinces was lured to a location under the pretense of investigating a tip and shot by unidentified assailants. The Committee to Protect Journalists has condemned the attack as part of a disturbing pattern of violence against press in Ecuador.
A nightly curfew from 11:00 PM to 5:00 AM remains in effect in Guayas, Los Ríos, Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas, and El Oro through at least March 31. Around 75,000 soldiers and police are deployed. Cuenca and Azuay are not affected.
A New York Times investigation reveals that a joint U.S.-Ecuadorian military operation showcased as destroying a drug trafficker's training camp actually destroyed a cattle and dairy farm in Sucumbíos province. Workers allege beatings, choking, and electrical shocks by soldiers.
Relations between Ecuador and Colombia have deteriorated sharply in March 2026. Ecuador raised tariffs to 50% on Colombian goods on March 1, Colombia retaliated with tariffs on 280 products, and President Petro has accused Ecuador of bombing Colombian territory. $2.8 billion in annual bilateral trade hangs in the balance.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation has established its first permanent office in Ecuador, housed at the U.S. Embassy in Quito. The office will support joint investigations with Ecuador's National Police targeting drug trafficking, money laundering, and terrorism financing.
U.S. Special Operations forces launched joint military operations in Ecuador on March 3, 2026, alongside 75,000 Ecuadorian troops. A curfew from 11 PM to 5 AM is in effect through March 31 in Guayas, El Oro, Los Rios, and Santo Domingo provinces — not in the highlands or Cuenca. Over 253 people have been arrested for curfew violations.
Angel Esteban Aguilar, known as "Lobo Menor," was captured at Mexico City's airport with a fake Colombian passport. He's the alleged mastermind behind the 2023 assassination of presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio — and the leader of one of Ecuador's most dangerous criminal organizations.
American troops launched joint operations with Ecuadorian forces on March 3, targeting cartel infrastructure across multiple provinces. Today, France24 reports that US-backed airstrikes are leaving border communities in fear. Here's the full picture.
