Ecuador police seize 105 drug blocks near Colombian border, arrest four

Ecuadorian police confiscated 105 blocks of narcotics in Mataje, a town in the northern coastal province of Esmeraldas bordering Colombia. Four individuals were apprehended during the operation, according to Interior Minister John Reimberg.

The seizure took place during an operation in the border zone where officers intercepted a vehicle. A search of the vehicle revealed several rectangular packages wrapped in brown tape, concealed beneath the upholstery. The packages contained a white substance, as reported by the minister via his social media account.

Those arrested were identified as Eider Portillo, Johan Ureña, Edison Quiroz, and Juan David Gasca. In addition to the drugs, authorities also seized five mobile phones, two motorcycles, and the vehicle used in the smuggling attempt. The detainees have been handed over to judicial authorities for due process.

This significant drug bust occurs amidst an ongoing trade dispute initiated in February by Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa. The dispute aims to pressure Colombia into increasing border surveillance, as Ecuador attributes its criminal violence to the vast quantities of drugs, particularly cocaine, entering from its neighbor. These drugs are then shipped from Ecuador's ports and coasts to North America and Europe. The trade conflict has escalated with Ecuador imposing tariffs of up to 100%, which it plans to reduce to 75% starting June 1. This has led to reciprocal accusations between Noboa and his Colombian counterpart, Gustavo Petro, prompting both governments to recall their ambassadors.

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The subjects were placed at the disposal of justice for due process.