Former Ecuador international footballer Christian 'Diablito' Lara has been detained in the capital Quito during a large security operation.
Lara was located in an establishment that appeared to be operating as an illegal bar in the south of the city, during an intervention involving more than 800 personnel.
Interior Minister John Reimberg, who attended the operation, said authorities found the former player in a clandestine bar and liquor store, adding that he was detained due to an outstanding warrant for failing to appear in court.
Lara was removed from the premises as a detainee and handed over to the relevant authorities.
Shortly afterwards, the former player appeared in a video statement to address the situation. He said the matter had been clarified following checks by the authorities and described the incident as a misunderstanding, adding that all his records were in order.
Christian Lara, known by his nickname 'Diablito', is one of Ecuador's most recognisable former footballers, having represented the national team at the 2006 World Cup in Germany. During a lengthy career, the midfielder played for several of the country's biggest clubs, including El Nacional, LDU Quito and Barcelona Sporting Club.
Previous robbery allegations
The arrest follows Lara's previous detention on April 7, when he was held alongside three other people over an attempted robbery at a technology store in the La Magdalena and El Recreo area of southern Quito.
A tribunal at the Pichincha Provincial Court of Justice ordered his release on June 17 following a majority vote.
During an appeal hearing, his defence lawyer Jose Escudero argued there was insufficient evidence to link the former player to the attempted robbery.
The defence team stated that while personal documents were found in Lara's vehicle at the time of his April arrest, no weapons or stolen goods were recovered.
Operation Pandora
Reimberg said the latest raids, named Operation Pandora, were part of the Quito Protection Plan, a strategy involving coordinated interventions in priority areas of the capital.
The joint operation included officers from the National Police and the Armed Forces, alongside immigration officials and municipal agencies.
They were joined by the Internal Revenue Service, Ecuador's national tax authority, which frequently participates in joint operations to check the legal status of businesses and their merchandise.
The National Police said the raids resulted in the seizure of suspected controlled substances, artisanal alcohol, contraband cigarettes, knives, mobile phones and a laptop computer.
The force said the operation aimed to strengthen territorial control, prevent crime and tackle illegal activities in strategic areas of the city through coordinated intelligence and preventive work.
