Child found exposed in Quito hostel rescued during city operations

Authorities in Quito have rescued a child found in a vulnerable state, exposed to the cold and elements within a laundry pit at a hostel. The discovery was made during extensive operations conducted by the Municipality across various zones of the city, including Quitumbe, La Delicia, and Eugenio Espejo.

The multi-agency effort, which took place on Friday and Saturday, August 14-15, 2026, aimed to supervise 51 commercial establishments and monitor public spaces. Beyond the rescue of the infant, security entities uncovered other anomalies. At one establishment's reception, 31 identity cards were held due to unpaid lodging debts. Inspections of 14 barber shops resulted in the confiscation of bladed weapons and toy gun replicas.

The broader sweep involved checks on 13 hostels, seven liquor stores, six shops, five tolerance centers, four discotheques, a restaurant, and a billiard hall across several neighborhoods. The Metropolitan Control Agency (AMC) initiated sanctioning processes against individuals for public intoxication and operating without proper licenses. Three businesses were ultimately closed: a liquor store and a hair salon for lacking municipal permits, and a billiard hall for improper use of its economic activity license.

Joint operations between the National Police and the Metropolitan Transit Agency (AMT) issued 55 citations, impounded a vehicle, and checked 146 citizens' backgrounds, leading to one arrest for possession of controlled substances. Armed Forces personnel conducted body searches and vehicle inspections, contributing to the seizure of weapons, controlled substances, and contraband liquor. The coordinated effort involved 164 uniformed personnel from various security and control bodies.