gnv News, February 1, 2026

On January 26, 2026, Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa announced a large-scale security plan targeting domestic criminal organizations. The plan includes investment in the military, measures against illegal gold mining, the introduction of cutting-edge technology in criminal investigations, immigration control, prison expansion, and the strengthening of emergency response services.

The country’s public security situation has deteriorated significantly in recent years, and narcotics are one major factor. Ecuador is the world’s largest exporter of cocaine. Most of the cocaine is produced in neighboring Peru and Colombia, then passes through Ecuador’s ports to be smuggled worldwide. Within Ecuador, the rise of drug-related criminal organizations, worsening security, corruption, and a rapid increase in violence linked to criminal groups have become serious problems. In 2025, Ecuador recorded 9,216 intentional homicides, the highest number in the country’s history.

In response to this domestic situation, a major government move came in January 2024. After the leader of Los Choneros, a drug-related criminal organization in Ecuador, escaped from prison, President Noboa declared an “internal armed conflict.” This designation allowed the government to classify 22 armed criminal organizations in the country as “terrorist organizations” and enabled the military to actively use force against them. As of January 2026, two years later, this declaration is still in effect. However, Ecuador’s Constitutional Court has repeatedly refused to recognize the declaration, stating that the criteria for the existence of an armed conflict have not been met.

Although the government professes a hardline stance against drug cartels, contradictions have become evident. It has come to light that a banana production and export company run by President Noboa’s family repeatedly loaded cocaine into banana containers bound for Europe over the course of several years, smuggling the drugs. In addition, the low level of investment in the Port and Airport Intelligence Police—an agency that should be a key unit in tackling crime at ports that serve as hubs for drug trafficking—as well as issues surrounding domestic money laundering, have also been criticized.

Learn more about Ecuador ⇒ “Where is the Ecuadorian economy headed?”

Learn more about Latin America and the Caribbean ⇒ “Political and social challenges facing Latin America and the Caribbean”

President Noboa ordering the deployment of the military to confront criminal organizations (2024) (Photo: Presidencia de la República del Ecuador / Flickr [PDM 1.0])