Anti-drug operation in Manabí results in 14 arrests and 500 kg of cocaine seized
The Ecuadorian government highlighted the 'Gran Fénix Palmar' operation against the 'Los Choneros' gang, with 14 arrests in Manabí, including an elderly woman in a wheelchair.
Elderly woman in wheelchair among 14 arrested in operation against 'Los Choneros' in Manabí
Ecuador's Interior Minister John Reimberg highlighted on Thursday the 'Gran Fénix Palmar' operation, a new strike against the criminal organisation 'Los Choneros' in the coastal province of Manabí. According to atacamanoticias.cl, the operation resulted in fourteen arrests and the seizure of half a tonne of cocaine.
Among those arrested was an elderly woman with a disability who, according to authorities, "trafficked drugs in her wheelchair". Reimberg made no attempt to hide the irony of the discovery when he posted on social media: "Even grandma was trafficking".
Also captured was Sánchez Zambrano Heráclito, alias 'Raúl', described by authorities as an "individual of relevant criminal interest" and identified as responsible for the operational, territorial and logistical control of the group. According to Reimberg, Heráclito coordinated "the collection, transport and distribution of drugs and weapons, with maritime cocaine operations towards Central America".
The raids — around a dozen or so — were carried out in various towns in Manabí, including Manta, Portoviejo, Jipijapa and Paján. The minister noted that the structure under investigation would be linked, in addition to drug trafficking, "to the illicit trafficking of weapons, ammunition and explosives, vehicle theft, extortion and threats in several districts of Manabí".
In the same report, Reimberg informed of the arrest of more than 2,600 people during the ten days of the latest curfew imposed in the coastal provinces of Esmeraldas, El Oro, Manabí, Guayas and Los Ríos.
The minister announced that upcoming operations would target "white-collar" individuals and those who protect the finances of organised crime through money laundering.
Source: Google News EC — Crime