Ecuador Recruits Retired Officers to Boost Prison Security Amid Crime Fight

Ecuador is intensifying its efforts to regain control of its overcrowded prisons, which have become battlegrounds for powerful organized crime groups. The government announced it is calling upon retired police officers and military personnel to bolster security and combat the escalating violence within the penitentiary system.

This strategic deployment aims to reinforce the presence of law enforcement and military authority inside correctional facilities. The move comes amidst persistent tensions and a struggle for dominance within the prison system, largely fueled by rival drug cartels vying for control over inmates and illicit operations.

The Ecuadorian government has been grappling with a surge in organized crime, which has spilled over from prisons into communities. The decision to enlist retired personnel reflects the severity of the crisis and the need for experienced individuals to manage the complex security challenges. The objective is to restore order and reduce the capacity of criminal organizations to operate from within prison walls.