Operation Big Phoenix 050: 10 arrested in Ecuador for drug trafficking, including police sergeant
Ecuador's police dismantled a drug gang with 10 arrests made during 19 raids in Esmeraldas, Manabí and Tungurahua. An active-duty sergeant was linked to the organisation.
Drug gang dismantled in Ecuador: police sergeant among those captured
Ecuador's National Police dismantled an alleged criminal organisation dedicated to drug trafficking and illegal fuel smuggling on 31 July 2026 in an operation that resulted in 10 arrests and involved an active-duty sergeant. This was reported by primicias.ec, citing Interior Minister John Reimberg.
The operation, called Big Phoenix 050, was executed in coordination with the State Attorney General's Office and the Security Bloc. Officers carried out 19 raids in three provinces: Esmeraldas, Manabí and Tungurahua, including localities such as Atacames, Muisne, Manta and Ambato.
17 months of investigation and 1.4 tonnes of cocaine seized
The investigation extended for approximately 17 months. According to official reports, the organisation is allegedly linked to seizures made between March and November 2025, during which approximately 1.4 tonnes of cocaine, 142 containers of liquid fuel derived from hydrocarbons, three vessels, a lorry, firearms and ammunition were seized.
In the 31 July operation, officers seized USD 10,000 in cash, a firearm, cartridges, mobile phones, a video surveillance system and documents.
The ringleader fired during arrest
The alleged leader of the structure is identified as Patricia E., alias 'Lili', designated as the gang's ringleader and financier. Her brothers Byron and Anthony E. allegedly coordinated the organisation's logistics.
Minister Reimberg recounted that when officers arrived at 'Lili's' residence, she greeted them with gunfire. "When we were arriving with the Attorney General's office, she received us with bullets. She came out with a firearm," Reimberg stated in an interview with TC Televisión.
Reimberg also described how the group "moved substantial finances" and owned three fishing vessels registered in its name, allegedly used for international drug trafficking by speedboats from Ecuador's coastlines.
Police sergeant linked to fuel supply
Within the structure, police sergeant David Orlando Z.V., alias 'Mi Sub', was identified as allegedly coordinating fuel supply and managing the distribution of supplies assigned to each vessel of the organisation. The officer was on active duty at the time he was linked to the case.
According to the investigation, the network used the coasts of Esmeraldas and Manabí for drug collection and export, with a structure that included financing, fuel logistics, land and maritime transport, and security.
Second anti-drug operation of the month in Ecuador
Minister Reimberg noted that this is the second major operation executed in July 2026 against a drug trafficking organisation in the country.
Ecuador occupies a central role in drug trafficking routes towards Europe, North America and Oceania. A report by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) characterises it as a transit territory and unavoidable maritime passage for cocaine shipments coming primarily from Colombia.
Source: Google News EC — Crime