Quito passenger detained with photos of weapons, cash, and hooded figures on phone

During a large-scale public transport inspection in Quito on June 18, 2026, authorities detained a 35-year-old passenger exhibiting suspicious behavior. The man drew the attention of officers due to his unusual demeanor during a routine check on Simón Bolívar Avenue in the La Forestal sector.

Upon closer examination, officers found the passenger to be visibly nervous, crying and shouting when questioned. A search of his mobile phone revealed concerning content: photographs of significant amounts of cash, images of assault rifles and machine guns, and videos featuring hooded individuals. Authorities also discovered a firearm magazine, which initial reports suggested matched one of the weapons depicted in the phone's images.

The operation, a joint effort by the Municipality of Quito, the National Police, and the Armed Forces, targeted urban, provincial, and interprovincial buses. The broader inspection yielded several results, including the arrest of two individuals (one with an active arrest warrant), 150 weapon, ammunition, and explosives checks, and the inspection of 12 buses and 70 motorcycles. Additionally, two bladed weapons and illicit substances were confiscated, along with a smoking pipe.