City officials in Cuenca are working on a new ordinance aimed at restricting the use of narcotic substances in public areas, with fines planned for violations.
Councilwoman Jenny Bermeo, who leads the Commission for Citizen Security and Coexistence, is developing the proposal after several months of analysis. The initiative builds on an earlier effort supported by Mayor Cristian Zamora during his time as a councilor.
The plan is to introduce rules that can be applied locally while addressing addiction as a broader public health issue. Marijuana remains the most commonly used substance in the city, adding urgency to the discussion.
One option under consideration is to reform the existing ordinance that regulates the use of public spaces, expanding it to include a ban on drug consumption. The Cuenca Citizen Guard would play a role in enforcement.
Beyond enforcement, the proposal also aims to generate better data on substance use in the city. Officials see the collection of reliable information as essential for shaping future policy decisions.
Concerns have been raised about drug use and sales near schools, with calls for coordinated action involving multiple institutions and specialized units.
The proposed penalties would be financial, with fines ranging from 10% to 15% of a Unified Basic Salary, or roughly $46 to $69, depending on the severity of the offense.
Efforts to move forward have been slowed by uncertainty over the status of national regulations related to drug quantities, which has created confusion at the local level.
The broader approach includes prevention measures such as education, community programs, and coordination with schools and health services to address the issue more comprehensively.