Ecuador Leads the Charge in the Fight Against Organized Crime

The Americas Counter-Cartel Coalition has transitioned from planning to action, with defense and security officials from across the hemisphere analyzing transnational criminal threats and identifying areas for joint action. Ecuador's Minister of National Defense Gian Carlo Loffredo expressed optimism about the coalition's progress, citing the identification of critical nodes to target in the drug trafficking supply chain.

## Coalition Progress The coalition's second meeting, held in Panama, marked a significant step forward in the fight against organized crime. Minister Loffredo noted that the meeting was a working session, where participants identified threats, actors, routes, and logistics used by criminal organizations. The coalition is expected to form working groups and conduct joint operations, with the first operations potentially beginning in November.

## Cooperation with the United States Ecuador has intensified its cooperation with the United States through initiatives such as Secure Border and a close relationship with U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM). Minister Loffredo highlighted the concrete results of this cooperation, including stronger border control and increased investment in Ecuador's capabilities. The United States has provided support for the Secure Border initiative, and cooperation with SOUTHCOM has facilitated a more fluid exchange of information and resources.

## Regional Cooperation The addition of Colombia to the coalition presents opportunities for strengthening security along the shared border with Ecuador. Minister Loffredo met with his Colombian counterpart and agreed to work continuously along the border, with a focus on information sharing and interoperability. The Counter-Cartel Coalition provides a framework for mirror operations or hammer-and-anvil operations, aiming to maintain control along the border corridor.

## Citizen Engagement Ecuador has engaged the public in the fight against organized crime through initiatives such as the 131 hotline, which allows citizens to provide information confidentially and potentially receive a financial reward. Minister Loffredo noted that the hotline has been extremely useful, with the public responding positively to campaigns encouraging its use. The hotline has helped conduct effective operations, and Minister Loffredo expressed strong support for the initiative.

## Capabilities and Security The capabilities of Ecuador's Armed Forces are crucial in translating efforts into greater security for citizens. Minister Loffredo emphasized that the mission is to strengthen these capabilities, focusing on modern conflicts and threats affecting the region. President Noboa has demonstrated commitment to this effort, and Minister Loffredo believes that Ecuador is moving forward through a sustained effort to confront organized crime.

## Call to Action Minister Loffredo urged defense ministers and security leaders across the hemisphere to cooperate in making the working groups more effective in combating transnational organized crime. He emphasized that organized crime has been organized for a long time, and it is time for the good guys to organize and confront evil. Minister Loffredo warned that countries that do not learn from the experience of those already suffering from this scourge will not be prepared when their time comes to confront it.