Ecuador is fighting powerful drug cartels. The country has sent over 75,000 soldiers and police. This is a very big number. Curfews are now in place at night in four areas. President Daniel Noboa has declared a "war" on crime. This is a new and important step. The country had many murders in 2025.
Ecuador's location is important for drug trafficking. It is between Colombia and Peru. These countries make a lot of cocaine. Ecuador is a main route for drugs going to other countries. About 70% of cocaine from its neighbours passes through Ecuador. Different cartels fight for control of these routes. This has caused more violence and problems for the police.
Ecuador has joined a group with 17 other countries. This group is led by the US. They want to stop criminal cartels in the Americas. This shows countries want to work together. The FBI has opened its first office in Ecuador. This will help them work together better. They will start operations together to stop drugs. They also want to reduce the amount of cocaine coming through Ecuador.
The large number of security forces shows the problem is serious. The Interior Minister, John Reimberg, said, "We're at war." He told people in four provinces to be very careful. He said, "Don't take any risks, don't go out, stay at home." Gangs have caused fear in many places.
These actions have different effects. More soldiers and police should make people feel safer. Ecuador is working with other countries to solve this problem. The FBI office and new operations should improve how they share information. It is too soon to know if these efforts will succeed. However, Ecuador is determined to fight drug trafficking.