The Ecuadorian Ministry of the Interior will notify the ATF international affairs office before launching an independent investigation into arms trafficking.
Evidence of the weapons and explosives seized at the Litoral Penitentiary, on September 3, 2022.
Ecuador and the United States strengthen cooperation on security issues based on the eTrace system, reported the Ministry of the Interior.
The US Government’s Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (AFT) and the Department of the Interior signed a memorandum to promote the coordination of law enforcement and investigative activities related to the eTrace system.
The objective is “to achieve a successful prosecution of punishable acts committed with illegal firearms, tracking and improving investigative strategies, reducing crime,” he said in a statement.
The Department of the Interior will notify the ATF Office of International Affairs prior to initiating an independent international firearms trafficking investigation arising from or derived from firearms tracing data obtained through eTrace.
This step is essential for the subsequent exchange of research information and helps ensure the overall efficacy and safety of the research agents.
The Minister of the Interior, Juan Zapata, pointed out that this signing improves cooperation relations between the two countries.
With this memorandum of understanding, the United States works in collaboration and partnership with governments and institutions to assist friendly and allied nations in the fight against international criminal organizations.
