Coca and bananas: USA could support Ecuador against gear violence

Coca and bananas: USA could support Ecuador against gear violence

in Guayaquil, Ecuador, an inconspicuous convoy from several pickup trucks and SUVs with distant number plates quickly leads through traffic. The vehicles cross and cut roads, while the other drivers hardly react. They seem to be used to such chaotic behavior.

The secret operation

The inmates of the convoy prepare themselves with tactical vests and ski masks. If it weren't for the word policy on her body armor, you could think of a group of masked bandits instead of hidden investigators. The vehicles reach a gait area in Pascuales, one of the most problematic quarters in Guayaquil.

Outside grilling families, and children play in the pools, while the Catholic population celebrates the end of the carnival and prepares for Lent. The officials storm out of the vehicles and penetrate several houses at the same time. The police state that they have four suspects in their sights that are connected to drug trafficking that makes this city so dangerous.

arrests and drug conflicts

After the mission, only one man remains custody. Relatives perform and remove jewelry while the officials load him into a pickup. His mother calls him full of tears: "Que Dios te Bendiga" (May God bless you). The police report on successful use and report that about 150 grams of cocaine and two small explosives were secured when arrested.

But a hidden investigator expresses a different point of view: "We need help from the USA," he says anonymously out of concern for his security. "We need resources: vehicles, protective vests, staff." The problem is undoubtedly much larger than a small sack of cocaine.

ecuador in the shadow of drug trade

ecuador, surrounded by Colombia and Peru - the main producers of cocaine - is involved in drug trafficking and the associated violence. The efficient transport and exporting system is used by cartels to bring their goods abroad- cocaine bunkered in boxes with bananas, which are then shipped to the USA, to Europe and anywhere else. Last July, police dogs discovered over six tons of cocaine that were hidden under Banana in the port of Guayaquil. Official reports point out that these drugs were intended for Germany.

police work and security in the country

In addition, the officials carry out controls at the ports and precede drugs. When the weather is stormy, ask drivers to leave their vehicles to search them thoroughly for drugs and weapons.

"We have identified the most dangerous areas in the city to carry out these anti-criminal operations," explains police captain Orlando Posligua near a bus station in Guayaquil. But success is limited. The residents report that the city and the whole country dull against crime.

migration and presidential elections

The mixture of gangs, drugs and public security leads to an increase in migration from Ecuador. President Daniel Noboa sees the opportunity to ask for help from the USA. In a tense race for the re-election, Noboa wants foreign military support, which many consider here to use US troops.

The two countries already have a certain military cooperation. Since 2018, the US State Department has invested $ 81 million in Ecuador to combat drug trafficking. However, Noboa's proposal still has to be done by the Ecuadorian congress.

public opinion on foreign help

People in Guayaquil show support for Noboa's efforts. "I think foreign help is necessary, the local police don't really help us," says resident Kathy Flor. Jaqueline Villacres, who sells at a kiosk near the bus station, agrees: "It would be excellent to get foreign support to help the Ecuadorians."

Noboa could also rely on Trump because he already has personal connections to the US president. During his tenure, Noboa took similar measures to Trump, such as increases in import tariffs to Mexican goods.

The challenges of illegal migration

Despite all these challenges, Noboa's effort to make Trump had few results. He faces his left rival Luisa González before a runoff election in April, who also promises to fight the security problems. González embodies hope while Noboa stands for fear.