The author, reflecting on past writings, revisits the traumatic impact of drug trafficking and terrorism in Ecuador, starting from an article penned in 1986. This retrospective acknowledges the troubling escalation of narcotic activities—marked by improved cultivation methods, advanced transportation techniques involving planes, boats, and submarines, and the resulting violence and corruption intertwined with local governance. Despite substantial police efforts and high-profile drug seizures, the narcotics trade continues to thrive, indicating a failure in fully addressing the root causes of the issue.

Over the decades, drug-related initiatives have seemingly struggled against the burgeoning illicit economy, which now boasts significant profits. The author implies that these profits contribute to corruption at various governmental levels, making the fight against drug trade particularly complex. Corrupt officials and judges, benefiting directly or indirectly from the narcotics economy, create a crisis of trust in the law enforcement and judicial systems which are supposed to uphold justice and order.

In concluding their piece, the author expresses a sense of resignation regarding the enduring presence of drug money in societal systems, suggesting that genuine reform is a distant hope. As the cycle of crime and corruption perpetuates, the article poignantly illustrates the deeper societal and moral implications entangled in the ongoing drug trade, leaving a somber outlook on the future of Ecuador amid continued narcotics challenges.