The Internal Revenue Service (SRI) in Ecuador conducted inspections in informal trading zones, resulting in the provisional seizure of used cell phones and clothing valued at $130,000. This initiative is part of the government's comprehensive strategy to combat insecurity and illegal economies, aiming to prevent the sale of questionable-origin products and ensure compliance with tax obligations. The actions are part of a broader effort to target informal commerce, which frequently operates outside regulatory scrutiny.

Key areas targeted included La Marín in Quito, as well as popular markets in Guayaquil, Manta, and Loja. Investigators also focused on vehicles transporting goods intended for these high-risk markets along the route to Santa Rosa in Machala. These operations specifically aimed to check merchandise lacking proper documentation or where the origin could not be adequately justified, indicating a crackdown on illegal trade practices that undermine the country’s economy.

The SRI's actions not only aim to bolster government revenue through tax compliance but also serve as a warning to informal markets about the consequences of selling unregulated goods. The initiative highlights the Ecuadorian government's ongoing efforts to enhance lawful trading practices while addressing broader social issues linked to crime and economic instability in various regions of the country.