Ecuador: a low-threat environment for drug trafficking

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.