Ecuador arrests seven suspects after Arcom mining agency attack in Machala

Ecuador’s security block, comprising the National Police and Armed Forces, detained seven individuals following an attack on the facilities of the Agencia de Regulación y Control Minero (Arcom) in the port city of Machala. The detainees include six adults and a 17‑year‑old teenager, one of whom is a Venezuelan national. Two of the seven have prior criminal records – one for robbery in 2022 and another for illegal weapons possession in 2024.

During the operation authorities seized a 9 mm pistol, 50 cartridges, two explosive devices, 84 packs of a plant‑based substance, 72 wrappers of a white substance (30 zip‑lock bags and 42 envelopes), three pamphlets, and quantities of illicit drugs. The minister of the interior, John Reimberg, said the suspects are being investigated for unlawful possession of weapons, ammunition and explosives, as well as drug trafficking. Arcom responded, stating “No detendrá las acciones del Estado.” The investigation remains ongoing to determine each suspect’s degree of involvement.