A large drug shipment containing 597.6 kilograms of narcotics was seized at a police checkpoint in northern Ecuador, valued at approximately $17 million.
A significant seizure of narcotics occurred on February 13 at a police control point in Mascarilla, located on the E 35 highway between the provinces of Carchi and Imbabura. The shipment, one of the largest apprehended in the region, was concealed in a heavy cargo truck coming from Tulcán. Authorities discovered alterations to the truck's roof where the drugs were hidden, indicating sophisticated methods were employed to evade detection.
Antinarcotics agents detailed their challenges in identifying the hidden compartment, which had been expertly constructed by skilled mechanics. Despite early difficulties in locating the contraband, the expertise and investigative techniques of the police ultimately led to the discovery of a double floor in the vehicle, assisting in the seizure of the substantial drug cargo. The operation underscores the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in intercepting drug trafficking operations in this border area.
The shipment's journey from Tulcán remains a mystery, particularly how it bypassed the various controls established in Carchi and Nariño, Colombia. Marco Narváez, a commander involved in the operation, emphasized the importance of vigilance and improved tactics to combat drug smuggling along the Ecuadorian borders. This significant seizure not only reflects the ongoing battle against narcotics trafficking in the region but also highlights the continual adaptation of traffickers to evade law enforcement efforts.
