Joint Ecuador-US operation dismantles CJNG network in Samborondón: 39 detained
Southern Command troops, DEA agents and the National Police dismantled a drug trafficking organisation linked to the CJNG in Guayas, Los Ríos and El Oro.
First joint Ecuador-US operation hits narco network linked to CJNG in Samborondón
More than 320 agents from the Ecuadorian National Police and 50 military personnel from the United States Southern Command executed the first joint operation on Ecuadorian territory in the early hours of Thursday, 24 September, according to eluniverso.com. The deployment, which also involved DEA agents, was concentrated in the provinces of Guayas, Los Ríos and El Oro.
The operation dismantled a drug trafficking organisation with alleged links to the Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG) cartel. Interior Minister John Reimberg, who personally participated in the deployment, stated that the structure "has no links with local gangs" and directly linked it to the Mexican cartel.
Gang leader and financier captured in exclusive residential areas
Among those detained were two people located in exclusive residential areas of Samborondón. The alleged leader of the organisation was captured in Puerto Mocolí; the alleged financier of the structure was captured in Riberas del Batán.
According to Reimberg, the network members were engaged in contaminating shipping containers with drugs coming from Colombia, with final destination in the United States. The organisation also operated in the stockpiling, intermediation, distribution and transport of large quantities of narcotics, which they intended to send by sea from the ports of Guayaquil and Machala to Central America, the United States and Europe.
The investigation that led to the operation extended over approximately eight months. The minister did not rule out that some of those detained may be requested by the United States for a possible extradition, given that a large portion of the drugs handled by the structure was destined for that country.
322 million dollars in seized shipments
Officials from the Interior Ministry stated that, in reaching this structure over the course of the year, there was an impact of 322 million dollars in drug shipments seized in total.
The operations extended across the cantons of Guayaquil, Daule, Samborondón, Ventanas, Babahoyo, Puebloviejo, Vinces and Machala. As of 06:15 on Thursday, at least 39 people remained detained with alleged links to the structure.
US military technology in the raids
The operation showcased the level of technological equipment provided by Southern Command troops. The personnel wore uniforms equipped with jamming systems to prevent possible attacks with drones, and one of the vehicles carried installed equipment with greater range to block signals. The military personnel also used suits with visors for low-light conditions, along with weapons and rucksacks equipped with various devices.
Coordination between teams was maintained through headsets and microphones that allowed real-time communication between those entering the properties and those remaining outside.
A United States prosecutor and a local prosecutor also participated in the raids. Reimberg highlighted Washington's collaboration: the Southern Command troops provided information and technology to support the deployment.
Operations continued to develop during the morning of Thursday at the time the information was published.
Source: Google News EC — Guayaquil