Ecuador seizes 1.7 tons of cocaine hidden in container bound for Denmark

Ecuadorian authorities have intercepted a significant drug shipment, seizing 1.7 tons of cocaine concealed within a fruit container bound for Denmark. The operation, conducted in the municipality of Pasaje in the southern coastal province of El Oro, resulted in the arrest of four suspects allegedly involved in transporting the illicit cargo.

Minister of the Interior John Reimberg confirmed the seizure, detailing that police intercepted a truck carrying the contaminated container. The truck was en route from Guayaquil to Puerto Bolívar, a port city in Machala, from where the shipment was to be loaded for its journey to Denmark. A subsequent inspection at the port revealed approximately 1,800 blocks of cocaine.

Authorities estimate the confiscated cocaine represents about 17.9 million doses and holds a market value of roughly $54 million. The arrested individuals have been identified as Luis Andrés Villacís Espinoza, José Manuel Arias Briones, José Gustavo Lemos Castillo, and Dilson Ángelo Sosa Ortega. As part of the investigation, police also confiscated three vehicles and six mobile phones, which are being held as evidence.