Key facts
- Gangs are using drug sales to gain a foothold in Quito neighborhoods.
- Los Lobos, Los Choneros, and Los Tiguerones are identified as present in Quito.
- Violent death figures in Quito fell in 2024 and 2025 from a high of 294 in 2023.
- Drug seizures in Quito were up nearly 500% between January and September compared to the prior year.
- About 4,000 police and military personnel are deployed in Quito as part of a security plan.
Quito, Ecuador's capital, is emerging as a new battleground for criminal networks due to its strategic location as a transit point for cocaine. Gangs are establishing a presence by engaging in small-scale drug trafficking, which connects them to other crimes. This has led to an increase in violence, extortion, and shootings in neighborhoods like Solanda, once known for petty crimes. Residents have resorted to surveillance cameras and street gates for security, while the government has deployed thousands of police and military personnel.