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🇪🇨 Ecuador /Crime & Justice

Trailers with 827 ketamine vials intercepted in Huaquillas

From El Comercio · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Outcome reported
  • Ecuadorian police intercepted two trailers carrying 827 vials and over 51 kilograms of ketamine in Huaquillas.
  • The operation, named "Fénix 343," also led to the arrest of two individuals who attempted to flee.
  • The drugs, believed to have entered from Peru, were discovered in specially modified hidden compartments within the trailers.

Ecuadorian authorities have seized a significant quantity of ketamine during an operation in Huaquillas, a border town in the El Oro province.

Police intercepted two trailers on July 2, 2026, uncovering 827 vials and approximately 51.01 kilograms of the anesthetic drug. The operation, dubbed "Fénix 343," was conducted by the National Unit for Combating Organized Crime (ULCO) with support from various specialized units.

Investigators believe the ketamine originated in Peru and was being transported into Ecuador. During the inspection, officers discovered hidden compartments within the trailers, where the substance was concealed. The two drivers attempted to evade capture but were apprehended shortly after in a local accommodation.

One of the arrested individuals has a prior record for disobeying a competent authority. The seized items, including the drugs, trailers, and mobile phones, have been secured as evidence for further investigation.

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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