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A Cuban man, identified as Miguel O., was arrested in an operation by the Anti-Drug Investigation Department of the National Police of Ecuador, which dismantled a drug trafficking network in the Guamaní area, south of Quito.
Alongside him, an Ecuadorian and a Venezuelan were arrested, all of whom were allegedly involved in the transportation of 74 kilograms of cocaine, valued at 92,000 dollars on the South American country's market.
The operation, named "Sirio XV," took place on February 20th at 6:40 PM (local time).
Drug enforcement agents, after receiving citizen reports about suspicious activity in the area, identified a blue motorcycle and a red pickup truck moving unusually.
After intercepting the vehicles and conducting an inspection, the officers discovered two burlap sacks and a green backpack in the truck's bed, according to a statement released by the police.
Inside these containers 73 packages were found that, after being subjected to identification tests, tested positive for basa cocaine.
In total, the seizure amounted to 74 kilos and 331 grams of the substance, which is equivalent to approximately 743,312 doses intended for the illegal market.
According to the authorities, this amount of drugs has an estimated value in Ecuador of 92,542 dollars.
Detention and judicial process
The three detainees have been identified as Luis Segundo A. A. (Ecuadorian), Miguel O. S. (Cuban), and Zaid Rubén B. J. (Venezuelan).
In addition to the drugs, the police seized two cell phones that are currently under forensic analysis to determine possible connections with other drug trafficking networks.
Subsequently, the detainees were brought before the competent authorities. During the hearing for the qualification of flagrancy and the formulation of charges, the Prosecutor's Office presented more than ten elements of conviction, including the police report, the version from the apprehending officer, the record of evidence transfer to the collection center, and the unique chain of custody form.
Based on these elements, the presiding judge in the case ordered preventive detention for the three defendants, considering that they did not present sufficient guarantees to face the proceedings while free.
The Prosecutor's Office indicated that the investigation is ongoing and that the seized devices could yield new evidence regarding the possible connection of the detainees with other criminal organizations.
The three individuals face charges for large-scale illicit trafficking of controlled substances, an offense defined in Article 220, numeral 1, letter d, of Ecuador's Comprehensive Organic Criminal Code (COIP).
If found guilty, they could face severe prison sentences.
Frequently Asked Questions about Drug Trafficking and Its Implications in Ecuador and Cuba
What happened in the "Sirio XV" operation in Ecuador?
In the operation "Sirio XV," carried out by the Anti-Drug Investigation Division of the National Police of Ecuador, a drug trafficking network was dismantled in Guamaní, south of Quito. A Cuban, an Ecuadorian, and a Venezuelan were arrested, and 74 kilograms of cocaine were confiscated, valued at 92,000 dollars.
How is drug trafficking affecting Cuba?
The drug trafficking in Cuba has contributed to the increase in drug consumption among the population, especially among the youth. This phenomenon poses serious social and public health challenges on the island, exacerbated by the difficult economic and social context.
What are the possible penalties for those arrested in Ecuador for drug trafficking?
The three detainees in Ecuador are facing charges for the large-scale illicit trafficking of controlled substances, as stipulated in Article 220 of the Comprehensive Organic Penal Code (COIP). If found guilty, they could face severe prison sentences.
What measures is the Cuban government taking against drug trafficking?
The Cuban government has intensified its security operations and improved collaboration with citizens to identify and dismantle drug trafficking networks. However, the effectiveness of these measures is questionable due to the increasing number of violations and the complexity of the problem.
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