Navy operations in the Caribbean could inadvertently steer drugs towards the Pacific, according to warnings from experts.
In recent times, Ecuador has found itself at the centre of a drug trafficking crisis, with the country experiencing severe internal violence and rising insecurity. The Guayaquil Port Authority, one of the busiest in South America, has declared a state of emergency due to increasing threats of extortion and attacks on vessels.
The situation appears to be closely linked to the military tension in Caribbean waters, as drug traffickers take advantage of any moment or vulnerability, according to Daniel Pontón, a security expert. The United States is responding by deploying warships in the Caribbean to counter drug-trafficking, with the US Coast Guard providing support under military agreements signed in 2023.
Controlling the Pacific corridor has become a more complex task, as drug traffickers operate various routes from Ecuador to Central America, the United States, and Europe. In a bid to combat this, proposals have been made by the Pentagon, which under the Trump administration was considering establishing a "Rapid Response Force for Civil Unrest" with 600 soldiers, indicating interest in intensified security measures related to such issues.
However, some experts warn that this deployment could divert drug trafficking to the Pacific. Ecuador, with the third-highest drug seizures after the United States and Colombia, according to the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, already faces the challenge of managing its northern border with Colombia. Pazmiño, a former Ecuadorian Army Intelligence chief, suggests strengthening the northern border and creating a joint task force to cover the entire northern border.
The Ecuadorian Navy has intensified its patrols and military operations against drug traffickers. On August 24, 10 tons of drugs were seized with the help of the US Coast Guard. Yet, the threats to the Guayaquil Port remain a significant concern. The Port Authority claims that these threats are putting the integrity of the port infrastructure and personnel at risk.
Michelle Maffei, a political analyst, warns against militarizing the fight against criminal gangs, fearing it could lead to another political conflict. Instead, she suggests focusing on fighting corruption to combat organized crime. Maffei also recommends a radical reform of the judicial system in Ecuador to address the issue of corruption.
Ecuador is one of the most violent countries in Latin America due to transnational organized crime. As the country grapples with this crisis, cooperation and capabilities among countries in the region will be crucial in addressing the complex issue of drug trafficking.
