Ecuador Arrests 253 in Major Anti-Drug Operation

Ecuador's Interior Ministry announced the arrest of 253 individuals as part of a heightened anti-drug operation aimed at addressing the country's severe drug-related violence. The crackdown, which took place in various provinces, was supported by a nightly curfew imposed from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. local time.

This curfew, lasting two weeks, allows only select emergency medical personnel to leave their homes during those hours. The operation led to the destruction of three military targets linked to drug trafficking and the capture of a hitman leader.

Despite these efforts, local residents expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of the curfew, with security guard Lenin Baldeon, 49, noting that criminals continue to operate freely in the streets. The initiative is part of a broader strategy initiated by Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa, who has been targeting cocaine trafficking in collaboration with the U.S. since a summit earlier in the month.