Ecuadorian Drug Cartel Leader El Gerente Arrested In Uae

BUENOS AIRES, Dec 30 (Bernama-dpa) -- Ecuadorian drug cartel boss Roberto Carlos Álvarez Vera, known as El Gerente, has been arrested in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on an international arrest warrant, German Press Agency (dpa) reported Monday, citing the Foreign Ministry in Quito.

Álvarez Vera, who heads the Comandos de la Frontera criminal group, is set to be extradited to Ecuador and put on trial, President Daniel Noboa said on X.

Álvarez Vera is believed to have been behind the deaths of 11 soldiers who were attacked with grenades and assault rifles by suspected members of Comandos de la Frontera during an operation against illegal mining in the Amazon region in May.

Originally from neighbouring Colombia, the Comandos de la Frontera has expanded its sphere of influence to Ecuador, where it is involved in drug trafficking, extortion, and illegal mining.

Once considered relatively safe, Ecuador has seen a sharp increase in violence and crime, as several gangs fight for control of the lucrative drug trade. 

According to the Organised Crime Observatory, the number of murders rose by 47 per cent in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period last year, reaching the highest level in the South American country's recent history. 

-- BERNAMA-dpa