Overview
- Police reported that five heads were found hanging from ropes on Puerto López beach beside a sign threatening alleged extortionists of local fishermen.
- A police report attributed the display to conflict between criminal groups competing for control.
- Officials said control and surveillance operations were stepped up in Puerto López under a state of emergency that covers Manabí and other provinces.
- Authorities describe Ecuador as a drug transit hub where local gangs work with Colombian and Mexican cartels and recruit fishermen and small boats for trafficking.
- Official figures show 2025 was the country’s deadliest year with more than 9,000 homicides as President Daniel Noboa’s security push has yet to curb the killings.