Erik Prince, founder of Blackwater, arrives in Ecuador: "We're going to give them the tools to fight drug traffickers"
The controversial founder of Blackwater, Erik Prince, arrives in Ecuador with the promise of strengthening law enforcement in the fight against drug trafficking.
Erik Prince in Ecuador: “Our goal is to strengthen security with real tactics”
Quito, Ecuador – In a surprise and controversial visit, Erik Prince, founder of the private security company Blackwater, arrived in Ecuador with a direct message: “We are here to provide law enforcement and the military with the tools and tactics necessary to effectively combat drug traffickers.”
Prince's arrival comes amid an unprecedented escalation of drug-related violence in the country, which has seen an increase in murders, kidnappings, and armed clashes in major port cities such as Guayaquil and Esmeraldas.
Private Intervention or Strategic Support?
Prince asserted that this is not a foreign military intervention, but rather a "strategic accompaniment" to "professionalize" Ecuadorian forces in urban combat, tactical intelligence, and territorial control.
Although the government has not officially confirmed a contract with his company, unofficial sources indicate meetings with senior military and internal security officials.
Controversy over his past
Erik Prince is a highly controversial figure. His company, Blackwater, was accused of abuses during the Iraq War.
Critics warn that his presence could open the door to the privatization of security, which "could bring more problems than solutions," according to human rights defenders in Ecuador.
Ecuador, a new focus of anti-drug experimentation
With increasing pressure from organized crime and a citizenry clamoring for security, the arrival of figures like Prince indicates a drastic change in the country's strategy: more militarization, more technology, and private cooperation to combat drug trafficking.
“Ecuador has become an undeclared war zone,” Prince said. “And in a war, you need to know how to fight.”
????| ULTIMA HORA: Erik Prince fundador de Blackwater en Ecuador ????????: "Estamos en Ecuador para proporcionar la aplicación de la ley y el ejército las herramientas y las tácticas para combatir eficazmente a los narcos".
DEJA AQUÍ TU ME GUSTA Y RT si apoyas esto. ???? pic.twitter.com/lm9lUAOUtJ — Eduardo Menoni (@eduardomenoni) April 5, 2025
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