Operation Apollo 23 yields 36 arrests after 69 raids in Guayaquil

Ecuadorian National Police launched "Operation Apollo 23," a large-scale anti-crime initiative involving 69 simultaneous raids across six key districts in Guayaquil and Durán. The operation specifically targeted the financial networks of eight identified organized crime groups, including Latin King, Águilas, Tiguerones, Lobos, Lagartos, Mafia 18, Carniceros, and Choneros.

The coordinated raids resulted in the apprehension of 36 individuals, including one minor. During the interventions, police confiscated a significant cache of illegal items. Seized materials included 10 firearms, 38 rounds of ammunition, over 1,400 doses of various controlled substances, blocks of heroin, cocaine, and base paste, six vehicles, 32 motorcycles, 110 bladed weapons, 17 boxes of pyrotechnics, five communication radios, seven cell phones, 11 surveillance cameras, and police uniforms.

In a related development, two suspects were arrested in connection with a robbery in Mapasingue Este. Masks used during the thefts were discovered during the related raid. Authorities are investigating the potential involvement of these two suspects in a violent incident on a public transport vehicle on July 14, where police seized drugs, cell phones, surveillance cameras, and a radio.

Interior Minister John Reimberg presented the operation's results, highlighting the disruption of illicit economies as a primary objective. The successful execution of "Operation Apollo 23" underscores the ongoing efforts by Ecuadorian authorities to combat organized crime and enhance public security in Guayaquil and surrounding areas.

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69 simultaneous raids and 36 arrests in six sectors of Guayaquil.