Ecuador operation arrests eight, disables airstrip, seizes fuel

Ecuadorian authorities have announced the successful conclusion of "Operation Pandora," a significant law enforcement action targeting criminal activities in the coastal province of Santa Elena. Minister of the Interior John Reimberg reported on July 19, 2026, that the operation, carried out by the National Police in Olón, Montañita, and the Libertad-Salinas district, resulted in the arrest of eight individuals.

During the extensive operation, police disabled a clandestine airstrip used for illicit activities and impounded a tanker carrying 9,000 gallons of diesel suspected of being illegally sourced. The crackdown also yielded a substantial seizure of 2.1 kilograms of drugs, equivalent to approximately 5,700 doses, along with four firearms, 54 cartridges, 12 cell phones, and $1,535 in cash. Authorities also recovered five motorcycles and impounded ten others, in addition to two vehicles that are now subject to further investigation.

Beyond the arrests and seizures, the police closed nine establishments, issued seven citations to entertainment venues, and initiated proceedings against six foreign nationals for alleged immigration violations. The Ministry of the Interior stated that these interventions are part of ongoing efforts to combat criminal economies and protect state resources, with similar operations planned for other areas of the province. In a separate but related action on July 16, 2026, in Manabí province, police discovered approximately 1,000 gallons of illegally stored fuel.

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The intervention concluded with the capture of eight people. Furthermore, agents disabled a clandestine landing strip and retained a tanker carrying 9,000 gallons of diesel of presumed illegal origin.