Ecuador: a low-threat environment for drug trafficking
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Authors
Gherardy, Juan G.
Subjects
Ecuador
Rafael Correa
cocaine trafficking
transnational criminal organizations
cartels
maritime trafficking
Andean cocaine
U.S.-Ecuadorian relations
supply chain
weak institutions
microtrafficking
Rafael Correa
cocaine trafficking
transnational criminal organizations
cartels
maritime trafficking
Andean cocaine
U.S.-Ecuadorian relations
supply chain
weak institutions
microtrafficking
Advisors
Gingeras, Ryan
Date of Issue
2016-03
Date
Publisher
Monterey, CA; Naval Postgraduate School
Language
Abstract
Ecuador’s role in the cocaine trade has historically differed from its drug-trafficking neighbors. This Andean country traditionally serves as a transshipment hub for illegal narcotics, precursor chemicals, and a place to launder money. Over the past several years, however, Ecuador appears to have become a rising actor in the cocaine trade. Seizures are increasing and so is the presence of transnational criminal organizations. Why is Ecuador now experiencing an increase in cocaine seizures? What factors explain this emergence? What is attracting transnational criminal organizations, such as the Mexican cartels, the Russian Mafia, and the Chinese Triads, to Ecuador? Furthermore, how has Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa’s administration, its policies, and its relationship with the United States contributed to this new dynamic? This thesis argues that the increased flow of cocaine through the country is what is driving the increase in seizures. This increase is further attributed to the ease of operating in Ecuador, making it a low-threat option for cocaine traffickers.
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Thesis
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Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
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This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. Copyright protection is not available for this work in the United States.