Ecuador Military Detained for Smuggling Phones; Forces Reclaim Occupied House

A naval serviceman, Rey René G. V., was arrested at the Guayas No. 1 prison in Guayaquil after guards found a military backpack containing four concealed mobile phones and food items. He was taken into custody without resistance, transferred to the Unidad Judicial Cuartel Modelo and placed under preventive measures that restrict travel and require weekly court appearances. The case is being investigated under article 275 of Ecuador’s Organic Integral Penal Code, with a 30‑day instruction period.

Separately, on 20 July 2026 the Ecuadorian Armed Forces, acting through the Navy, carried out an internal operation in the Monte Sinaí sector to recover a house that had been occupied without authorization. After confirming ownership documents, military personnel secured the property, removed the illegal occupants and handed the premises back to the rightful owner. Authorities cited the action as part of broader efforts to uphold public order and protect private property.