Peru and Ecuador police seize 1.5 tons of marijuana in binational operation

17:30 | Aguas Verdes (Tumbes region), Mar. 24.

A major blow against illicit drug trafficking was carried out in Aguas Verdes district, Zarumilla province, Peru's northern Tumbes region, as a result of a coordinated binational operation between the Peruvian National Police (PNP) Anti-Drug Directorate (Dirandro) and the Ecuadorian police.

The "Operation Trilogy" was carried out through specialized units such as the Special Investigations Division of Piura and the Chemical Substances Investigation Unit of Ecuador's National Anti-Narcotics Directorate (DNA).

Intelligence work made it possible to locate the Zavaleta garage, which operated as a storage hub for a criminal organization dedicated to drug trafficking that ran operations from Colombia into Peruvian territory using various methods.

During the operation, agents uncovered a sophisticated concealment system: 32 metal beams with the drug embedded within.


After dismantling the structures, a total of 1,957 packages of 'creepy'-type cannabis sativa were counted, weighing 1 ton and 579 kilograms. 

According to authorities, the seizure represents a significant economic blow to the criminal organization, with an estimated value of $3,198,750 on the Peruvian illicit market.

The drugs were placed at the disposal of the relevant authorities for custody and forensic analysis.

Finally, Dirandro reaffirmed its commitment to continue strengthening intelligence efforts and international cooperation to combat drug trafficking and dismantle criminal organizations operating in the border region.

(END) LVL/MAO/MVB

Published: 3/24/2026