"Drug Cartels Exploit Ecuador's Banana Industry, Unraveling Security"

Drug cartels have infiltrated Ecuador's banana industry, taking advantage of the country's position as the world's largest exporter of bananas and its proximity to major cocaine producers. The use of banana shipments as a cover for smuggling cocaine has led to a surge in violence, including shootings, homicides, kidnappings, and extortions. Criminal organizations from Mexico, Colombia, and the Balkans have settled in Ecuador due to its weak laws and institutions, as well as the presence of established local gangs. The country has seen a significant increase in cocaine seizures, with a record 47.5 metric tons found in banana shipments in 2022. Authorities are working to improve security measures, including the implementation of scanners at ports, but challenges remain in combating drug trafficking in the industry.