In 2025, Ecuador experienced a significant increase in illicit cigarette smuggling, with over 10 million cigarettes seized, according to a report from the Central de Investigación, Monitoreo y Análisis de Comercio Ilegal (CIMA). This trend is alarming as it reflects a broader problem in Latin America and the Caribbean, where approximately 49 million units were moved across countries. The report highlights that Ecuador has emerged as a key destination for these smuggled products, drawing attention to the routes that facilitate this illegal trade.

The CIMA report emphasizes the logistical pathways that allow for the smuggling of cigarettes into Ecuador, noting that major logistical routes include direct connections from Panama, China, Peru, and Miami. Guayaquil, in particular, has been identified as a significant reception point for these illicit shipments. The report details how these smuggling corridors take advantage of weaknesses in border control measures and commercial traceability, allowing for large volumes of illegal products to enter the market.

This situation raises serious concerns about public health, as the proliferation of smuggled cigarettes undermines efforts to control tobacco consumption and poses risks to consumer safety. The Ecuadorian authorities are urged to enhance their monitoring and enforcement capabilities to combat this growing issue, which not only affects local markets but also has implications for broader regional stability and law enforcement efforts against organized crime.