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🇪🇨 Ecuador /Crime & Justice

Police seize 600 kilos of cocaine in trailer at Chongón toll

From El Comercio · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Outcome reported
  • Ecuadorian police seized 600 kilograms of cocaine hidden in a trailer at the Chongón toll plaza.
  • The operation, part of 'Fenix 401-Hades VI,' uncovered 602 drug packages in a false bottom.
  • The driver, José Silvio Vera Gavilanes, with a prior robbery record, was arrested, and the cargo was destined for a seaport.

Ecuadorian police intercepted a significant drug shipment, seizing 600 kilograms of cocaine hydrochloride during an inspection of a trailer at the Chongón toll plaza on August 2, 2026. The operation, codenamed Fenix 401-Hades VI, is part of the ongoing fight against drug trafficking in Ecuador.

Authorities discovered 602 packages of the drug concealed within a specially constructed double bottom in the trailer. Police indicated that the cargo was allegedly bound for a seaport.

During the operation, the trailer's driver, identified as José Silvio Vera Gavilanes, was apprehended. Records show Gavilanes has a previous conviction for robbery dating back to 1999.

The seized cocaine, weighing 600 kilograms, is estimated to be worth approximately $17.97 million in the United States and $28 million in Europe. This quantity is equivalent to roughly 5.99 million doses. In addition to the drugs, police confiscated the trailer, a mobile device, and a shear tool. The arrested driver and the seized items have been handed over to the competent authorities to face charges for alleged international trafficking of controlled substances.

DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by El Comercio in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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