Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa has stated that Ecuador asks the United States "every day" for increased help in combating a cocaine trade estimated to be worth $30 billion annually. Noboa, in an interview with Bloomberg Television's Francine Lacqua in New York City, highlighted the need to pursue "big fish" and "big structures" within the drug trafficking networks, indicating that support from the US and European nations is crucial for this effort.
Despite seeking international assistance, President Noboa insisted that Ecuador's local security forces should remain in charge of the anti-narcotics operations. This stance underscores a desire for sovereignty while acknowledging the scale of the international drug problem. The country's homicide rate has surged sevenfold since 2019, as criminal gangs vie for control of drug trafficking routes, extending their reach from the Pacific coast to the Andes and Amazon regions.
Noboa, who assumed office in 2023, has declared an internal armed conflict, designating over 20 local criminal groups as terrorist organizations and deploying the military nationwide, along with imposing curfews in certain areas. He has also strengthened security ties with Washington, including new investments in the Taura air base and intelligence-sharing operations. Earlier this month, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited Quito and pledged to seek $45 million in additional security funding and equipment for Ecuador. Noboa is expected to meet with State Department officials during the United Nations General Assembly, following Rubio's visit.
The drug networks exploit Ecuador's high-quality infrastructure and dollarized economy to traffic approximately 1,200 tons of cocaine each year, with about 80% destined for the United States and Europe. Noboa stressed that this issue must be treated as an international problem. He also mentioned efforts to attract foreign investors to boost economic growth and public finances, including in the state-owned Sacha oil field, which he believes could significantly increase production from 73,000 barrels to between 150,000 and 160,000 barrels daily.
