Operation Apollo 35 in Guayaquil and Durán: 22 arrested, firearms and stolen motorcycles seized
An early-morning police operation resulted in 22 arrests in Guayaquil and Durán, including a suspect linked to contract killing. Seven firearms and 22 stolen motorcycles were seized.
Simultaneous raids in Zone 8 net 22 detainees and a contract killing suspect
A police operation executed in the early morning of 16 October across several sectors of Guayaquil and Durán canton resulted in the detention of 22 people, according to reports from expreso.ec. Among those detained are five women, a minor and two foreign nationals facing migration proceedings.
The operations, designated Operation Apollo 35, were concentrated in the districts of Nueva Prosperina, 9 de Octubre, Esteros, sectors of southern Guayaquil and Durán—zones classified by police as having high levels of conflict within the metropolitan area.
Juan Carlos Soria, acting commander of Zone 8, highlighted as one of the most significant results the capture of an individual under investigation for alleged involvement in a contract killing that occurred in the Florida district. Intelligence work and prior surveillance allowed officers to locate the property where the suspect was found and gather evidence for the investigation.
In the Esteros district, four people were detained in flagrante delicto whilst allegedly robbing a merchandise distribution vehicle. Officers recovered mobile telephones and cash belonging to the victims during that operation.
The operation also led to the discovery of a property where bottles of allegedly adulterated alcohol were being stored, detected following reports from citizens through the National Police's official reporting mechanisms.
As a result of the combined raids and inspections, authorities seized seven firearms—some long-range weapons—22 motorcycles reported as stolen, five vehicles and controlled substances.
Soria noted that the zones subject to intervention show active presence of criminal organisations such as Los Lobos, Latin King, Los Lagartos and Las Águilas, among other structures identified in Zone 8.
The 22 detainees were placed at the disposal of judicial authorities. Investigations continue to determine their possible involvement in contract killing, robbery and other criminal activities.
Source: Google News EC — Guayaquil