Leader of Ecuador’s Los Lobos gang apprehended in Spain

Monday, November 17, 2025 -Spanish authorities have captured the leader of Ecuador’s notorious Los Lobos drug gang in a major international law enforcement operation.

The arrest marks a significant blow to the gang, which has been linked to extensive drug trafficking networks across South America and Europe. Officials say the operation involved close coordination between Spanish and Ecuadorian security forces.

The gang’s activities have long fueled violence and organized crime in Ecuador, and its leader’s capture is expected to disrupt operations and weaken their influence.

Investigators are now working to trace remaining networks and seize assets linked to the organization. The arrest demonstrates the increasing effectiveness of cross-border cooperation against transnational crime.

Authorities have emphasized that this is just one step in a broader crackdown on international drug trafficking. The move sends a strong signal to criminal networks operating across borders that law enforcement is intensifying efforts to dismantle organized crime at the highest levels.