Europol Aids Major Drug Bust in Ecuador

In a significant crackdown on drug trafficking, Europol has supported an operation in Ecuador resulting in the arrest of 12 individuals linked to a criminal network supplying cocaine to European groups. The operation, conducted in collaboration with Belgian and Ecuadorian law enforcement, marks a milestone in the ongoing battle against cocaine trafficking from South America to Europe.

Law enforcement agencies executed two waves of arrests and seized over 9.3 tonnes of cocaine during the investigation. The multi-phase operation, launched in 2020, led to a total of 26 arrests across several countries. The targeted criminal network allegedly used private security companies as fronts to infiltrate key ports in Ecuador, crucial for cocaine trafficking routes. Additionally, these companies were used to acquire armoured vehicles and firearms, which were then distributed to local criminal groups involved in violent territorial disputes.

The culmination of this extensive investigation took place on September 3, 2025, in Guayaquil, Ecuador, where authorities arrested 11 Ecuadorians and one Serbian suspect. During the raids, officers seized three armoured vehicles, $27,000 in cash, five firearms, and seven electronic devices. The operation was bolstered by information obtained from the Sky ECC encrypted communications platform.

This success underscores the importance of international cooperation in combating organized crime. Europol played a crucial role by providing analytical support and facilitating information exchange between European and Latin American authorities. The operation is part of a broader strategy to disrupt drug trafficking networks affecting the European Union, highlighting the interconnected approach of law enforcement agencies across continents.