In response to increasing crime concerns, authorities in Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas imposed a curfew, leading to law enforcement operations aimed at apprehending individuals involved in criminal activities. On the third day of the curfew, security forces executed multiple raids across urban areas known for their high rates of micro-trafficking and gang operations. These efforts resulted in the arrest of at least six suspects by the early hours of March 18, as confirmed by local police commander Alex Silva.

The areas targeted by the security operations included neighborhoods such as Plan de Vivienda and Mujer Trabajadora, which have been identified as hotspots for criminal activities. The police interventions were carried out with the assistance of judicial authorities and involved stringent control measures, especially around key locations like the bus terminal and known crime-ridden districts. The aim was to disrupt the operations of criminal groups and enhance the safety of local residents.

In a striking incident during these operations, a driver alleged that he was the target of a kidnapping attempt, which he claimed was orchestrated to prevent his detention during the curfew. This assertion raises questions about the desperation of individuals involved in the ongoing crime spree and the lengths to which they may go to evade law enforcement, reflecting a broader context of insecurity in the region. The authorities' actions underline the urgent need to address lawlessness in Santo Domingo amid the ongoing curfew and heightened police presence.