Ecuador's National Police carried out a new vehicle control operation in two areas of southern Quito as part of the city's Security Plan. Hundreds of drivers of private vehicles, motorcycles and public transport had to step out of their vehicles to be searched at the Villaflora roundabout and the Chiriyacu Market.
Officers spent more than two hours checking for illegal weapons, cars with tinted windows or missing license plates, improper documentation and controlled psychotropic substances. No arrests or seizures were reported during the operation, which unfolded under apparently normal conditions.
Interior minister supervises operation
Interior Minister Jhon Reimberg traveled to Chiriyacu to oversee the operation and provide updates on the Security Plan, which has brought in 2,000 additional National Police and Armed Forces personnel.
Reimberg said 6,656 officers already carry out normal operations in Quito, and that the additional 2,000 would target criminal groups through different approaches in order to catch those seeking to disrupt the city's peace. He said police and military forces would cover all nine districts of the capital, though investigations are still underway to determine how many neighborhoods have high crime rates. He added that this week's operations would show results, and that the current goal was to supervise, maintain order and reduce thefts of cell phones and accessories common in the area.
Investigations and national reach
Reimberg said criminal groups are not solely responsible for rising insecurity in the capital, adding that authorities need to determine who wants to disrupt order and peace, noting that similar attempts failed in the past.
Resident José Luis Hernández said such operations are very important and should happen more often given the level of insecurity in the country and in Quito, adding that he welcomed the initiative.
According to Reimberg, other provinces in Ecuador will not be left unprotected, since the plan includes mobile groups that travel to different locations throughout the year. The road and neighborhood operations have no end date and will run day and night.
