POLICE IN GUAYAS ARREST MEMBERS OF LOS PREÑADOS GANG AND SEIZE ARSENAL IN PROGRESO

Law enforcement authorities in Ecuador scored a significant blow against organized criminal groups operating along the Pacific coastline. On Monday, September 7, 2026, officials confirmed the dismantling of a strategic operational cell belonging to the criminal group known as "Los Preñados" following a high-impact tactical deployment in coastal mangrove zones.

The successful action took place during the afternoon of Sunday in a secluded mangrove area located in the Progreso parish, within the Guayas province of the Zone 8 police jurisdiction. Specialized units surrounded the perimeter where four individuals were stationed to guard a major illegal stockpile destined for illicit maritime logistics.

General Walter Villarroel, commander of Police Zone 8, delivered an official briefing detailing the outcomes of the intervention. According to the commander, law enforcement forces caught the suspects off guard while maintaining surveillance over tactical military-grade hardware and naval transport gear.

Items Seized During the Operation:

• - 16 high-caliber rifles
• - 90 ammunition magazines
• - 5,000 rounds of various caliber ammunition
• - 5 outboard motors
• - 3 nautical vessels
• - 3 mobile phone devices

Community members and security analysts noted that targeted tactical actions in mangrove routes are essential to restoring security across maritime trade corridors. Local representatives emphasized that neutralising armed camps deters illegal logistics in coastal communities, while law enforcement officers reiterated their commitment to maintaining ongoing surveillance operations across coastal water networks.

"The neutralization of this logistical site direct hits the operational structure of local criminal groups," stated Commander Walter Villarroel during his official address on Monday morning.

The four detained individuals, along with all seized weapons, ammunition, vessels, and communication devices, were placed under the custody of judicial authorities to initiate formal criminal prosecution procedures.