Weapons and $27,000 in cash found in a house in Chone
A high-impact operation in Chone led to the seizure of weapons, ammunition, and cash, targeting a residence used by criminal structures.
A recent high-impact security operation in Chone, located in northern Manabí, Ecuador, resulted in the seizure of various firearms, ammunition, and a significant amount of cash totaling $27,000. This operation, named "Operation Attack," was carried out by the Security Block, which includes military personnel, and targeted a residence that was allegedly used by criminal organizations in the area. The intervention took place early Sunday morning in the Cucuí sector of the Boyacá parish, following intelligence gathering by the Ecuadorian Army, the National Police, and the National Intelligence Center.
During the operation, law enforcement officials executed a search of the property, adhering to protocols for the legitimate use of force. They discovered an arsenal that included three handguns, a rifle, a homemade shotgun, various magazines, and ammunition of different calibers. Among the seized ammunition were 50 rounds of 9mm caliber and 26 rounds of .22 caliber, showcasing the extensive firepower that was accessible to the occupants of the residence. This discovery highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Ecuadorian authorities in combating organized crime and its associated violence.
The implications of this operation extend beyond the immediate seizure of weapons and cash; it underscores the collaborative efforts of military and police forces in addressing crime in Ecuador. As the country grapples with rising violence linked to criminal organizations, such operations are critical in disrupting their activities and restoring security in areas like Chone. This targeted approach may also serve to deter future crimes and instill a sense of safety among local residents, although challenges remain in fully dismantling the criminal networks operant in the region.