On the front line of Ecuador's drugs war, police fight gangs, guns and corruption

Last twelve months, the execution complaint ranked among the highest in the world, with more than 9,200 people killed, according to Ecuador’s interior ministry. This figure comes despite an iron‑fisted crackdown initiated by President Noboa over the past two years. Critics argue the approach has backfired. Although top crime bosses have been arrested, leading to gang fragmentation, the groups have also multiplied. Many observers believe the war against the gangs may never be won. Captain Bustamante continues to fight on the front lines. During a recent operation, he was observed lying in wait, using a drone to gain a bird’s‑eye view of the back alleys. From that vantage point he spotted 3 individuals moving near the edge of