Ecuador's most wanted drug lord captured in 'underground bunker'
Captured in Operation Led by International Police
After a massive manhunt lasting years, Ecuador's most wanted drug lord, Jairo Cruz, was captured by a combined team of international police officers in an underground bunker beneath his father's home in Guayaquil. Cruz, 37, was wanted for drug trafficking, extortion, and murder, and his capture is a significant blow to the Mexican Sinaloa cartel, which he is alleged to have helped oversee in Ecuador.
Cruz's Capture & Extradition
Cruz was captured following a large-scale operation involving the Ecuadorian police, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, and the European Crime Centre. The operation aimed to crack down on the escalating drug trade in the country. Cruz was extradited to the United States, where he pleaded guilty to drug distribution and money laundering charges and is now serving a life sentence.
Impact on the Drug Cartel
Jairo Cruz was a high-ranking member of the infamous Sinaloa cartel. His capture dealt a significant blow to the cartel's operations. The case also led to the capture of other high-profile cartel members, further reducing the cartel's influence in the region. This successful operation underscores international and inter-agency cooperation in combating transnational criminal organizations.