Ecuador votes for tougher anti-gang measures amid prison director's assassination

On Sunday (April 21), a referendum was conducted in Ecuador. Residents could vote to toughen the fight against organized crime, mainly against drug gangs. As local media reported, on the same day, the director of one of the national prisons was shot dead.

The murder of Damian Parrales, the prison director of El Rodeo in Manabi province, resembled the action of paid assassins, assessed the Primicias website.

According to media reports, the prison service official was killed with several shots to the head in a dining establishment.

Ecuadorians responded on Sunday to 11 questions in a referendum organized by President Daniel Noboa. Most of them concerned intensifying security measures.

Among the proposals were the use of the army in the fight against gangs, tightening control in prisons, facilitating the extradition of the accused, and toughening penalties for drug trafficking. The referendum was conducted to help consolidate the proposals in law.

Ecuador, located in South America, used to be considered a peaceful country until recently. However, the situation has worsened in recent years due to a sudden increase in the number of murders. Now, it is considered one of the most dangerous countries in Latin America.

A large number of gangs operate in Ecuador, most of which are involved in drug trafficking. Therefore, Ecuador is recognized as one of the main hubs for cocaine trafficking to the USA and Europe.

In early January 2024, President Daniel Noboa declared a state of emergency in the country. He then sent the military to fight the drug gangs, which he described as terrorist organizations. Since that time, the country has been somewhat calmer. According to the government, recorded indicators of brutal crime have decreased.

We remind you that Noboa took office in November 2023. This was after a violent election campaign during which his rival was murdered.