Ecuador's Noboa pledges to extradite criminals in State of the Union speech

Ecuador’s president used a State of the Union address to promote US-backed crime-fighting measures and economic improvements. He cited the extradition of a dozen crime bosses to the United States and the seizure of nearly 300 tonnes of drugs as evidence of decisive action. He said Ecuador cannot develop while families live in fear and described organized crime as the leading concern. Homicides rose during the COVID-19 period, and since 2021 drug violence has intensified as rival cartels and local gangs compete for smuggling routes and coastal ports. Ecuador’s military has operated with US forces and used a state of exception to expand patrols and property searches without warrants, drawing criticism from civil society groups.

"Addressing the National Assembly in the capital Quito on Sunday, Noboa cited the extradition of a dozen crime bosses to the US and the seizure of almost 300 tonnes of drugs as examples of what he described as his decisive and effective approach. We will seek them out, find them and extradite them, Noboa said of wanted criminals. He also asserted that the South American country cannot develop if families live in fear."

"Organised crime is the leading concern among Ecuadorians this decade, after a spike in homicides during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since 2021, Ecuador has struggled to contain drug violence as rival cartels partner with local gangs to battle for control of routes and coastal ports used to smuggle cocaine. The country is wedged between Colombia and Peru, the world's top cocaine producing countries."

"In response, Noboa, who was reelected last year to a four-year term, has used a state of exception to allow the military to implement a variety of crime-fighting strategies, including joint patrols with police officers and property searches without warrants. Earlier this year, Ecuador's military also carried out an operation with US forces against a training camp allegedly used by Colombian drug traffickers, attacking the site with drones, helicopters and boats."

"Noboa's approach, however, has come under criticism from civil society groups, who say his iron-fisted methods have failed to reduce crime while putting civilians in danger."

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