The official stated that, since the implementation of the controls, 982 people have been detained and the economy of criminal groups has been directly affected, amid a strategy focused on weakening their sources of funding.

He assured that, although the results show a sustained decrease in violent deaths, the measure, which is being implemented in Guayas, Los Rios, El Oro, and Santo Domingo de los Tsachilas, will not be extended beyond March 30.

Instead, the Executive will prioritize strategic operations in those provinces, where movement is prohibited between 23:00 hours and 05:00 hours (local time).

It mentioned, among the actions, interventions with US support against illegal mining, anti-drug operations, the elimination of meeting points for criminal organizations, and the deaths of seven suspected criminals.

Reimberg said the crime reduction has been progressive during the first quarter, with a drop of eight percent in January, 10 percent in February, and 33 percent in March.

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