Quito anti-smuggling ops net 5 arrests, 9 closures, 30k cigarette packs

Ecuadorian authorities conducted raids across six Quito districts from Sept 7-13, seizing 30,000 cigarette packs and 21 bladed weapons, arresting five and closing nine establishments. The operation targets illicit cigarette trade, likely linked to broader organized crime networks, but details on enforcement scope and follow-up remain limited.