The military said the leader of one of Ecuador's largest criminal syndicates was arrested on Friday in his house in the Coastal city of Portovio.
Carlos D, widely known for its pseudonym “El Kina”, was the second in the commanders of Los Labas (wolves) and “was considered a high-value purpose,” the statement reads.
A large amount of cash was found in his home as well as armored vehicles, drugs and weapons. Armed forces published images of arrest on social mediaShowing “El Kina” shirt and at least two other detained suspects.
“His arrest is a strategic strike against the structure of this organized armed group,” the military said in A, statement.
A United States Last year announced Los -Lobas To be the largest drug trafficking organization in Ecuador, which has moved from one of the most stable countries in South America to the most violent in a few years because of over -strain in drug addiction.
During the announcement sanctions Due to Los -Lobas, US officials said the gang “greatly contributed to violence that covers the country” and its network includes thousands of members supported by the Jalisco Nueva Generación cartel – the new generation – and the Synalo -Carthel, which makes it makes that The gangs are especially dangerous.
Last year, the authorities seized a record 294 tonnes of drugs in raids, mostly cocaine, which comes from neighboring Colombia and Peru, which is smuggled to Europe and the US through the Guayakil port.
Los Lobas is present at 16 of the 24 Ecuador provinces, where he is also involved in illegal gold mining, reports the Insight Non-Governmental Crime.
Los -Lobas members are the actual leaders of several Ecuador prisons who often control the outside operation.
Authorities also accused a group of murdering presidential candidate Fernando Villavicenciowho was killed, leaving the action in the whale in August 2023.
Last month, two boys were found dead near Ecuador's military base. The disappearance of boys, between the ages of 11 and 15, caused protests in the South American nation, which is in the misery of the armed struggle People's gangs and security forces.
In January 2024, President Daniel Nobo announced The state of the “internal armed conflict” After a fierce wave of violence that caused Jailbreak a powerful criminal boss.
This step came after Weapons invaded and opened fire In the television studio and bandits were threatened by random shootings of civilians and security forces. The prosecutor investigating the attack was later the shot is dead.