Ecuador: State of emergency declared in seven provinces and one canton through July 20

In response to major operations by organized crime groups, President Daniel Noboa declared a state of emergency in El Oro, Guayas, Los Rios, Manabi, Orellana, Santa Elena, and Subcumbios provinces as well as the Camilo Ponce Enriquez Canton of Azuay Province through July 20.

Under the state of emergency, some constitutional provisions related to the right to be free from warrantless searches are suspended, and both the National Police and armed forces are permitted to conduct searches of structures and intercept correspondence without judicial authorization.

As a result of the decree, police and military personnel are likely to deploy throughout the affected areas and search buildings, potentially causing business disruptions. Such searches are especially likely in areas used by drug traffickers, such as near major ports, including the Port of Guayaquil. Criminal groups may retaliate by engaging in armed attacks on security personnel.