Bathers stumbled upon a shocking scene on a beach in Puerto López, Ecuador—five severed heads arranged ominously. This grim discovery points to the violent reality local fishermen face due to gangs threatening their livelihoods.
The severed heads were found alongside a message warning against stealing from and extorting fishermen. This is part of a larger wave of gang violence sweeping across Ecuador, especially in coastal towns where drug cartels operate.
Local police identified the heads as belonging to five men aged 20 to 34 who had been reported missing. While police have not found their bodies yet, one victim had a history of gun possession. Such incidents are becoming alarmingly common.
According to Ecuador’s Ministry of Interior, 2022 was the most violent year on record, with over 9,000 homicides. This violence stems, in part, from Ecuador’s position between Colombia and Peru, the world’s largest cocaine producers. Local gangs have formed alliances with major cartels from Mexico and Colombia, complicating the situation further.
These gangs don’t just smuggle drugs; they also extort local businesses, demanding “protection money” and using violence against those who resist.
Recently, a shooting in Puerto López left six people dead, including a two-year-old child, illustrating the brutal battles between rival gangs for control of the area. Los Choneros, one of the most influential gangs in Ecuador, has been at the center of this violence. In September, the U.S. State Department even labeled the gang a Foreign Terrorist Organization. Their leader, nicknamed Fito, was extradited to the U.S. last year, but the violence continues unabated.
This ongoing crisis impacts not just locals but raises concerns internationally, especially for countries dealing with drug trafficking. The situation seems dire, and many fear it could worsen if effective measures aren’t taken soon.
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