Understanding Youth Vulnerability and Organized Crime's Impact on Coastal Ecuador

Coastal Ecuador, known for its vibrant communities and expat appeal, is facing complex challenges related to organized crime and its impact on local youth. Recent data from the Observatorio Ecuatoriano de Crimen Organizado (OECO) provides a clearer picture of these dynamics, particularly in Manabí province, which includes popular expat destinations like Manta and Puerto López.

The Informe de Caracterización del Crimen Organizado en Ecuador 2025 indicates that major criminal structures such as Los Choneros, Los Lobos, and Los Tiguerones are actively competing for territory, especially in coastal areas. These groups serve as logistical providers for international drug trafficking networks, contributing to a heightened security situation.

Manabí province concluded 2025 with a significant 1,271 intentional homicides, accounting for 13.79% of the country's violent deaths. The homicide rate in Manabí reached 74.1 per 100,000 inhabitants in 2025. The broader Zona 4, encompassing Manabí and Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas, experienced a 52.1% increase in homicides between 2024 and 2025, rising from 938 to 1,427 victims.

Economic conditions play a role in this vulnerability. National data from the Encuesta Nacional de Empleo, Desempleo y Subempleo (Enemdu) Anual 2024, published in 2025, shows that approximately 35% of the population had adequate employment, while 21% were underemployed. In specific communities, like Pozo de la Sabana, located between Montecristi and Jaramijó, economic opportunities are scarce. For some women, work involves cleaning crates of pinchagua for $2 or bottles for $1.50, dependent on the arrival of fish trucks.

Educational limitations further compound the issue. In Pozo de la Sabana, the local school only offers education up to the seventh year. Students wishing to continue their studies must travel to nearby areas like Jaramijó, Montecristi, or Manta. Transportation costs, such as $1 for a mototaxi to Jaramijó and up to $2 for the return trip, can be a barrier for families.

Colonel William Calle, commander of Police Zone 4, has noted a disturbing trend: children in fishing sectors sometimes express a desire to become 'vuelteros,' a term for those who transport drugs. Police interventions in approximately 30 criminal organizations within his jurisdiction revealed the presence of minors in about 16 or 17 of them.

A study by the OECO, conducted between October and December 2024, surveyed 2,965 adolescents aged 12 to 17 in nine cities, including Manta and Portoviejo. Of those surveyed, 4.11% (122 minors) reported belonging to a criminal gang. Notably, among adolescents in Manabí who admitted gang affiliation, 66.6% were between 12 and 14 years old. The most common entry point for these adolescents was receiving help from a friend. The study also found that perceiving one's home as insecure increased the likelihood of joining an organized crime group by 47.1%, and having a family member in such an organization increased the probability by 19.55 percentage points.

Alarmingly, 34.4% of the surveyed adolescents who belonged to an organized crime group stated they had carried a weapon for protection or to feel respected. The OECO's annual homicide bulletin for 2025 indicates that 91.2% of homicides involving children and adolescents were committed with firearms. Furthermore, 96% of violent deaths among minors in 2025 were linked to criminal violence, a significant increase from 42.34% in 2020. Emilio Carrillo, a Psychology professor at UIDE, emphasizes that criminal groups now employ developed strategies to identify and recruit potential young members.

What This Means for Expats

For expats living in or considering coastal Ecuador, these reports underscore the importance of understanding the local context. While the focus of these reports is on local youth and specific communities, the broader increase in organized crime activity and homicide rates in Manabí province suggests a need for continued vigilance. Expats should be aware that areas with limited economic and educational opportunities may be more susceptible to these influences. Staying informed about local news and community developments, particularly concerning safety and social programs, is advisable. Supporting local initiatives that provide positive alternatives for youth, such as educational programs or skill-building workshops, could contribute to community resilience. It is important to recognize that while these issues are significant, they do not necessarily imply that foreigners are specifically targeted. Rather, they reflect broader societal challenges that impact the region as a whole. Maintaining situational awareness and exercising common-sense safety practices remain key for residents in any area.

Sources: expreso.ec; extra.ec; extra.ec.

Image: AI-generated illustration.