In Ecuador, the escalating drug war has transformed once-peaceful communities into battlegrounds marked by violence and fear. In the city of Durán, Police Captain Jean Carlos Bustamante grapples not only with the nefarious gangs that terrorise residents but also with pervasive corruption within his own ranks. As he leads his carefully selected team into a neighbourhood dominated by the notorious gang Los Aguilas, the captain expresses a chilling reality: speaking out against these criminals often leads to a death sentence.
The Terrain of Fear
Durán, a city now synonymous with drug-related violence, has witnessed a dramatic shift in its social fabric. Captain Bustamante, a former special forces officer, is acutely aware of the dangers he faces. “We have many bad people inside our unit, inside the state, inside politics,” he reveals, highlighting the troubling infiltration of gangs into law enforcement. As he navigates the streets, fear hangs heavy in the air; residents remain silent, too afraid to voice their concerns.
On a recent operation, Bustamante and his team raided an abandoned house suspected of harbouring weapons. They uncovered two handguns—one operational, the other rusty—and a small cache of ammunition. “The first reason is because we are safe,” he remarks, noting the importance of their safety even in such minor victories. Yet, he acknowledges the overwhelming power of the gangs: “They have many weapons and much more money than the state.”
A Nationwide Epidemic
Ecuador’s drug crisis is deeply intertwined with its geographical location. The country, flanked by Colombia and Peru—two of the world’s largest cocaine producers—has become a key transit point for drug trafficking. According to Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa, approximately 70% of the cocaine destined for Europe and the United States flows through Ecuadorian ports. The rise of home-grown gangs, often linked to international cartels, has capitalised on the nation’s insufficient border controls and inadequate law enforcement resources.
Over the past decade, Ecuador has deteriorated from a tranquil tourist destination to a landscape littered with violence. Last year, the nation recorded over 9,200 homicides, making it one of the most dangerous places on Earth, despite President Noboa’s aggressive measures against crime. Critics argue that the government’s crackdown has led not to stability but to fragmentation among gangs, giving rise to even more violent factions.
The Corruption Dilemma
The police force’s struggle against drug-related crime is further complicated by rampant corruption. Colonel Santiago Gavilanez, deputy commander of the Durán police, lamented the release of gang members after arrests, stating, “We imprison them, and they release them.” He explained that criminals often return to the streets, armed and ready to kill. “Some of those who are released kill people and leave orphans behind,” he added, underscoring the tragic consequences of a flawed justice system.
During our time in Durán, we encountered police officers who had received substantial bribes from gangs, with some refusing to divulge their identities for safety reasons. The pervasive influence of drug money extends beyond the streets to the very institutions meant to uphold law and order. Officers have expressed concern that even their colleagues may be in league with the gangs, creating an environment where trust is scarce.
A Glimpse into the Gang Life
On the other side of the law, gang members like Jonathan—who operates under a pseudonym for security reasons—revealed the harsh realities of life on the streets. He boasted of having police officers on his payroll, providing him with advance warning of police operations. “Whenever they’re going to do an operation, they call me,” he said, demonstrating the intricate web of corruption that sustains the drug trade.
At only 37, Jonathan has been in the gang for nearly two decades, driven by the need to provide for his family. As he spoke, young boys loitered nearby, some as young as 12, already enmeshed in the drug trade. He claimed that his gang only targets rival groups, asserting that they do not kill innocents. “Death is paid by death,” he stated, accepting the violent cycle of life he inhabits.
The Cycle of Violence
In the streets of Durán, violence has become a grim normality. During our visit, a body lay on the ground, a stark reminder of the ongoing conflict between rival gangs. Witnesses described the chilling details of the murder: a man shot multiple times in broad daylight, a spectacle that now barely raises an eyebrow among the local populace. “You might just step outside and catch a stray bullet,” one resident lamented, highlighting the pervasive sense of dread.
As the police continue their operations, Captain Bustamante remains resolute, despite the challenges he faces. He acknowledges that while there has been a slight decline in the murder rate, with numbers halving in the first half of the year, the battle against the gangs is far from over. “We have managed to contain the gangs,” he asserted, though he understands that achieving complete control will be a long-term endeavour.
Why it Matters
The ongoing drug crisis in Ecuador is not only a national tragedy but a global concern. As the country becomes increasingly embroiled in the drug trade, the repercussions extend far beyond its borders, impacting communities and lives across the globe. The intertwining of corruption, violence, and desperation creates a cycle that is difficult to break, leaving many to wonder if a solution is ever within reach. Understanding this crisis is crucial for addressing the broader implications of drug trafficking and violence that challenge societies worldwide.
