Ecuador police ops free kidnap victim, detain six in Esmeraldas and Los Ríos

National Police operations in Esmeraldas and Los Ríos provinces freed an extortion-kidnapping victim and prevented an $80,000 ransom payment, with six suspects detained. The operations reflect ongoing anti-kidnapping efforts in Ecuador's coastal provinces, where criminal groups are active. Details on the victim's condition and the suspects' affiliations remain unconfirmed.