The Curfew Just Hit Day 9 — Here's What's Happening Near Cuenca
Cuenca Expat Staff
If you've been wondering whether the curfew is actually doing anything — the numbers say yes.
Ecuador's nationwide curfew, declared by presidential order on May 3 and running through May 18, just completed its ninth day. In the first week alone, security forces racked up some serious figures:
- 1,735 people arrested across nine provinces and four cantons
- 1,092 detained for curfew violations
- 643 arrested for drug trafficking, weapons possession, and extortion
- 412 detainees linked to organized criminal structures
- 67 stolen vehicles and 89 stolen motorcycles recovered
Right Next Door: La Troncal
Closer to Cuenca, police in La Troncal (Cañar province, about 90 minutes southwest) arrested 30 people during curfew checkpoint operations. Among the haul:
- 4 firearms and 17 rounds of ammunition
- 2 stolen motorcycles recovered
- 4 people with active arrest warrants
- 26 detained for curfew violations
Cañar Governor David Crespo made it clear the pressure isn't letting up: "The controls and patrols will be maintained permanently, 24 hours a day, and led by the Policía Nacional with the support of institutions such as the Army."
What This Means for Daily Life
The curfew runs through May 18. If you haven't been directly affected yet, the biggest impact is on late-night movement — plan your evenings accordingly and carry ID if you're out.
If you drive between Cuenca and the coast, expect checkpoints. They're routine — have your cédula or passport handy, and you'll pass through quickly.
The broader context: this curfew exists because of a national security crisis that's been building for months. The 1,735 arrests in one week — with 412 tied to criminal organizations — suggest it's producing results. Whether that translates to lasting improvements is the question nobody can answer yet.
Sources: El Universo, CuencaHighLife
