Ecuadorian police and Europol dismantle international cocaine trafficking network

cocaine trafficking transnational crime Los Lobos gang Europol operation export fraud

Ecuadorian authorities, in coordination with Europol and Spanish law enforcement, have dismantled a major international cocaine trafficking network. The multi-year investigation, which gained momentum following a massive seizure in Algeciras, Spain, in October 2024, has led to the identification of 14 related seizures totaling approximately 42.5 tons of cocaine across Ecuador, Spain, Belgium, Portugal, and the Netherlands.

The operation, known as ‘Gran Fénix – Cantabria’, resulted in the arrest of 21 individuals, including two active police officers. The criminal organization, which has been active since at least 2019, utilized encrypted messaging to coordinate activities and employed at least 15 export companies as fronts. These companies, involved in the trade of fruit, cocoa, fish, and wood, were used to conceal narcotics within legitimate shipping containers.

Authorities estimate the economic impact of the seized drugs at approximately USD 1.765 billion. The network is linked to the powerful Los Lobos gang, which is also involved in illegal mining and extortion.

Entities

Colombian Public Forces · Daniel Noboa · Ecuador · Ecuadorian National Police · Europol · FARC dissidents · Jackson Felipe Zambrano · John Reimberg · Los Lobos · National Police of Ecuador · Spain

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[○ 1 SOURCE] Criminal organizations are attempting to recruit minors between 14 and 16 years old in the Lita parish. imbaburaenlinea.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] In-person classes were temporarily suspended in the Parambas and Palmira sectors as a preventive measure. imbaburaenlinea.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] At least eight high-value targets, including criminal operator Carlos Germán Muñoz Jara, were neutralized during the operations. www.expreso.ec
[○ 1 SOURCE] The criminal groups involved in recruitment attempts include Los Lobos and FARC dissidents, specifically the Oliver Sinisterra Front. imbaburaenlinea.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] Between September 17 and 29, security forces conducted 1,310 operations and apprehended 2,561 people. www.expreso.ec
[○ 1 SOURCE] Authorities seized 8.1 tons of drugs during the 14-day curfew period in Guayas, Manabí, Los Ríos, and El Oro. www.expreso.ec
[○ 1 SOURCE] The Plan Escudo strategy has conducted 16 national operations involving over 23,600 students since September.
[○ 1 SOURCE] Plan Escudo operations resulted in the seizure of weapons, sharp objects, alcohol, and controlled substances in schools.
[○ 1 SOURCE] Javier Enrique G. Q. was sentenced to 21 years and 4 months in prison for kidnapping in Quito. quenoticias.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] Jackson Felipe Zambrano, identified as a primary financier for the Los Lobos gang leader alias Pipo, was captured. eluniverso.com
[● 3 SOURCES] The Gran Fénix – Cantabria operation resulted in 21 detainees and 23 raids. www.metroecuador.com.ec · eluniverso.com · radiocolosal.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] Two men were sentenced to 21 years and 4 months in prison for extortionate kidnapping in Santo Domingo. quenoticias.com