Lush Manabí Province Attracts Drug Trafficking in Ecuador

Lush Manabí Province Attracts Drug Trafficking in Ecuador

Northern residents of the Ecuadorian Manabí province report they are afraid of an increase in narcotrafficking in their area, Ecuavisa reports. Manabí, a mountainous expanse covered by thick vegetation, provides an ideal cover for drug refining laboratories. The province’s proximity to the coast also facilitates transportation by sea. There is a reported lack of security presence, especially along roads in Manabí, further simplifying trafficking efforts. Residents in this area live off of the fishing and tourism industries and are concerned that increased drug activity might threaten their livelihood. Five tons of drugs were seized in 2010 in Manabí, and nearly three tons were seized in 2011. Ecuavisa does not specify the type of drug. Read Article