Ecuador seizes 119 kilos of cocaine hidden in container bound for Germany

Ecuadorian authorities have intercepted a significant drug shipment, seizing nearly 120 kilograms of cocaine concealed within a container bound for Germany. The illicit cargo was discovered at the port of Machala, a key export hub in the El Oro province, bordering Peru.

Anti-narcotics officers, aided by trained dogs, located 120 rectangular blocks of cocaine hidden within the floor structure of the container, which was reportedly carrying export fruit. Preliminary tests confirmed the substance as cocaine.

Interior Minister John Reimberg announced that one man, identified as Ángel Geovanny Jacinto Calderón, was arrested in connection with the seizure. The recovered drugs are estimated to be worth approximately $5.59 million on the European market.

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The anti-narcotics agents selected the container for inspection and, with the help of trained dogs, located 120 rectangular blocks hidden in the structure of the floor of the warehouse, which tested positive for cocaine in the preliminary identification test.

Ecuador, situated between Colombia and Peru, the world's top cocaine producers, has increasingly become a crucial transit point for drug trafficking, primarily destined for Europe and North America. The country's strategic location, coupled with its ports and dollarized economy, facilitates these operations.

This latest bust adds to Ecuador's ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking. According to the Interior Ministry, the Andean nation had already confiscated over 70 tons of drugs by the end of May this year, highlighting the persistent challenge of illicit trade.

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As a result of the operation, one man was arrested, identified as Ángel Geovanny Jacinto Calderón, and the drug is valued at approximately $5.59 million on the European market.