Police in Cuenca are warning that rising drug use is fueling violence in the city, as criminal groups continue to fight for control of local distribution.
- At least 6 of 12 murders in 2026 linked to drug disputes
- 77 arrests and 79 kilos of drugs seized in 2025
- Similar figures reported so far in 2026
- Marijuana made up 70% of drugs seized last year
The issue was the focus of a recent meeting between police and representatives from the tourism sector, aimed at addressing the presence of drugs in recreational areas and improving prevention efforts.
Authorities say the recent increase in violence is closely tied to competition over drug sales. But beyond enforcement, attention is shifting to a broader concern: demand.
Police officials stressed that as long as consumption remains steady, criminal groups will continue to compete for territory, sales points, and control of the streets. Reducing demand, they say, is essential to slowing the cycle of violence.
Efforts to address the problem are ongoing. Over the past year, dozens of arrests have been made and significant quantities of drugs seized. Police also dismantled a group linked to the Los Lobos gang involved in trafficking activity.
Despite these operations, the persistence of both supply and demand highlights the limits of enforcement alone. Officials are calling for a wider response that includes schools, government agencies, and community outreach to prevent drug use before it begins.
The message from authorities is clear: without a meaningful drop in demand, the conditions driving street-level conflict are unlikely to change.