Ecuador’s military has seized a record 22 tons of cocaine, in one of the country’s largest narcotics seizures, officials said.
As stated in the statement, the drugs distributed in 733 packages were probably intended for transport throughout Asia, Europe and America.
The operation followed six months of planning and supervision.
The seizure took place at a time when high-ranking US officials, ahead of a visit to Ecuador, called for a tougher fight against crime.
The government, whose mandate began two months ago, launched a crackdown on criminal gangs. In a period of 13 days, more than 2,700 people were arrested.
Ecuador’s government says powerful gangs are smuggling cocaine and fueling an increase in violence.
