Why are Ecuadoran prisons becoming centres for drug gangs?

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Ecuadoran Prisons Emerge as Hubs for Drug Gangs Amidst Escalating Violence

Ecuadoran prisons have transformed into operational centres for rival drug-trafficking gangs, a development underscored by the deaths of over 500 inmates in inter-group conflicts over control of the illegal trade. This escalating violence is reportedly linked to government plans to relocate some inmates to a new maximum-security facility.
Inmate Fatalities Linked to Gang Control

The ongoing conflict within Ecuador's correctional facilities has resulted in a grim toll, with more than 500 inmates losing their lives. These fatalities stem from violent confrontations between various drug-trafficking groups vying for dominance and the lucrative profits associated with illicit activities. The Machala prison in El Oro province recently experienced a deadly incident where 27 inmates were found dead by asphyxiation, following a morning riot that claimed four other lives and injured dozens.
Strategic Importance of Prison Control

The intense competition for control within prisons highlights their strategic significance for drug-trafficking operations. These facilities provide a base for managing illicit networks, coordinating activities, and potentially influencing external operations. The pursuit of this control has led to a cycle of violence, as demonstrated by the confrontation at Machala prison, which also saw 13 inmates and a prison official killed at the end of September.
Impact of Relocation Plans

Recent violence is believed to be exacerbated by government plans to transfer certain inmates to a newly constructed maximum-security prison. The inauguration of this facility, intended to house high-risk individuals, may be a catalyst for increased conflict as gangs attempt to maintain their influence or disrupt these moves. The exact motivations behind the inmates' actions, such as the reported "asphyxiation" in the Machala incident, are still under investigation by forensic personnel.

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Why are Ecuadoran prisons becoming centres for drug gangs?

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