Suspected 'Los Chone Killers' Associate Denied Bail in Ecuador

An Ecuadorian judge has ordered pre-trial detention for Esly Samir C. F., known as alias 'Samir,' who faces charges of drug trafficking and illegal possession of firearms in Daule. The prosecution has 30 days for its investigation into the alleged offenses, which are being treated as a real infraction concurso.

'Samir' was apprehended during a public security operation in the Patria Nueva sector of Daule, Guayas province. Police officers found him in possession of a domestically manufactured revolver, four .38 caliber live rounds, and three 12mm cartridges. A subsequent search of a bag he was carrying revealed 43 packages of cocaine, weighing 33 grams, and 25 packages of marijuana, also totaling 33 grams.

These seized items, along with the suspect's mobile phones, were placed under chain of custody. The operation was part of ongoing efforts by the Anti-Narcotics Police Intelligence Directorate in Guayas province. Preliminary police investigations indicate that 'Samir' allegedly operated as a logistical supplier of firearms, ammunition, and explosives for the criminal group 'Los Chone Killers.'

Further inquiries also link him to other alleged criminal activities in the area, including kidnapping, armed robbery, and extortion of local businesses. The charges against 'Samir' are based on articles of Ecuador's Organic Integral Penal Code, which penalizes unauthorized firearm possession with six months to one year in prison and drug trafficking with five to seven years imprisonment.