Quito Police Operation 'Apollo 33' Leads to 21 Arrests, Seizure of 50,000 Drug Doses

Ecuador's National Police executed "Operation Apollo 33" on Thursday, July 23, 2026, targeting the La Delicia and Calderón districts in northern Quito. This extensive intervention, part of the "Operational Strategy 3D," aimed to prevent crime, enhance citizen security, and cripple the logistical and financial capabilities of criminal organizations.

The operation involved a coordinated deployment of preventive, investigative, and intelligence units across multiple locations. Police conducted 216 simultaneous interventions, resulting in the seizure of 14 bladed weapons and the retention of vehicles and firearms. The investigative and intelligence teams focused on combating robbery, receiving stolen goods, and micro-trafficking.

These efforts led to the arrest of 21 individuals. Twenty Ecuadorian citizens face charges related to illegal firearm possession, drug possession, robbery, theft, and receiving stolen property. An additional Venezuelan citizen was detained for alleged illegal possession and carrying of a firearm.

During the operation, authorities confiscated 5,000 grams of controlled substances, equivalent to 50,000 doses removed from circulation. This seizure represents a significant financial blow to illegal networks, estimated at $11,375 on the Ecuadorian market, $150,000 in the U.S. market, and $233,000 in the European market. Police also recovered and impounded 20 motorcycles and nine vehicles.