Some tourists had gone for a morning walk on the beach on Sunday. What they encountered on the otherwise picture-perfect shore was deeply shocking. Five severed human heads, tied with rope, were found swaying in the sea breeze. Nearby, a warning message was discovered buried in bloodstained sand. The message was aimed at extortionists who allegedly collect illegal tolls from fishermen at the Puerto Lopez fishing port.
Local police said the gruesome act was the result of a clash between rival criminal groups. Several drug trafficking networks linked to international cartels are active in the area, they said. These groups reportedly use fishermen's boats to move drugs. Puerto Lopez, located in Manabi province, has seen repeated violence in recent months due to fights over territory and control of trafficking routes.
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Drug violence grips Ecuador
Ecuador, once considered a relatively peaceful country, has increasingly become a hotspot for Latin America's drug gangs. In 2025 alone, more than 9,000 murders were reported, the highest ever recorded. International cartels have teamed up with local gangs to control drug transit routes from Colombia and Peru. Even a state of emergency in Manabi province has failed to stop the violence, with six people killed in a shooting just two weeks ago.
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Fear and uncertainty grow
The growing link between drugs and violence has also drawn international attention. The Trump administration has made strong statements about cracking down on drug mafias in the region, including warnings of possible action in Ecuador. However, many locals remain sceptical. As bloodshed continues, ordinary people are left asking when, and how, they will finally be freed from the violence that now surrounds them.
