State of the World from NPR Fishermen in Ecuador Contend with Drug Gangs and U.S. Military Strikes
Nov 17, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Carrie Kahn, an NPR correspondent reporting from Ecuador's Pacific coast, sheds light on the harrowing plight of fishermen battling extortion from drug gangs while facing the looming threat of U.S. military strikes. She details the challenges of living under constant pressure and how desperation drives some fishermen to risky drug trafficking. Kahn also critiques the impact of U.S. military efforts in the region, revealing the complexities of fighting crime and supporting local livelihoods.
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Voters Rebuke Foreign Military Solution
- Ecuadorans rejected allowing foreign military bases despite rising gang violence and U.S. interest.
- The vote shows skepticism about militarized foreign intervention as a solution to drug-related crime.
Coastal Fishermen Face Violent Extortion
- Fishermen in Santa Rosa face extortion, robbery, and violent attacks at sea that strip them of motors and supplies.
- Gabriel says he pays $200 a month in vacunas and often fears he may not return alive from a trip.
Poverty Drives Some Fishermen Into Trafficking
- Economic desperation and loss of income push fishermen into drug trafficking as a way to survive.
- Andres Fernando Tufino and others took high-risk runs after prior convictions or financial need.