Ecuador's Escalating Violence and the Cocaine Trade

This chapter examines the rising violence in Ecuador, marked by gangs seizing control of a television studio and the ensuing challenges for law enforcement amid rampant corruption. It highlights the complexities of the cocaine trade, including innovative smuggling methods and significant incidents like a major drug seizure in Cartagena, Colombia. The narrative also reflects on the drug trade's impact on local communities and the socio-economic shifts it has caused, raising questions about potential legalization and regulation.