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Five Severed Heads Displayed on Ecuador Beach With Extortion Threat as Police Investigate Los Choneros Link

Investigators are examining a possible Los Choneros connection that points to extortion-driven intimidation in coastal Manabí.

Overview

  • Police confirmed five human heads were found around 8:40 a.m. on the Álamos sector beach in Puerto López, visible to tourists and residents.
  • An onsite message warned locals and referenced “vacunas,” the extortion payments criminal groups demand from businesses and residents.
  • Specialized units from Criminalística and Dinased processed the scene, and the remains were transferred to the Forensic Center in Manta for examinations.
  • Relatives preliminarily identified four of the victims, with official forensic confirmation pending and one person not yet publicly identified.
  • Authorities say the display is likely tied to internal disputes in Los Choneros, following late-December attacks in the area and record national homicide levels linked to narcotrafficking routes.