On June 3, 2026, Ecuadoran police discovered eight bodies wrapped in plastic bags near Babahoyo. This follows the disappearance of eight individuals on Sunday while traveling from Daule to Milagro, areas notorious for narco-trafficking. Col. Galo Munoz, the police chief of the area, confirmed the grim discovery.
This incident occurs amid a U.S.-backed military crackdown on organized crime in Ecuador, a country once known for its safety. Now, it grapples with rising violence fueled by drug trafficking networks. Interior Minister John Reimberg indicated that a note found at the crime scene implicated the Los Lobos gang. This group is fighting a territorial battle with the rival Los Choneros gang. Both gangs have significant links to international cartels.
Los Lobos, named after wolves, gained notoriety when the United States classified it as a terrorist organization in September. The Los Choneros, deriving their name from the city of Chone, continue to influence the nation’s drug trade. Modesto Freire, the state prosecutor in Milagro, confirmed that two of the victims were minors. The victims’ families described them as farmers from Daule, a key rice-producing region.
Ecuador is a crucial corridor for 70% of cocaine headed to international markets, originating from Colombia and Peru. This pivotal role in the drug trade has led to a surge in violence, especially in port cities like Guayaquil and Manta.
Earlier this year, six young people were found dead after a motorcycle ride in Santa Elena province, highlighting the persistent violence. In 2025, Ecuador witnessed over 9,200 violent deaths, marking a record high. President Daniel Noboa, a firm supporter of former President Trump, has implemented curfews and deployed military forces to combat gang influence. American and Ecuadorian troops recently collaborated on a mission to break up a suspected criminal hub along the coast.
In March, the United States and Ecuador launched joint military operations targeting designated terrorist organizations. This escalating violence follows the June 2025 recapture of Adolfo Macías, a prominent drug lord leading Los Choneros. Following his 2024 escape from a maximum-security prison, Macías was extradited to the United States in July 2025, where he faces numerous charges related to drug trafficking and firearms.