Minister Jose Serrano will also present on Ecuador’s new management models, innovative use of technology, and public policies at the Wilson Center on January 30, 2015

Washington, D.C. (January 27, 2015) – Interior Minister of Ecuador Dr. José Serrano will conduct meetings with representatives of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C. on January 29, 2015 to discuss Ecuador’s security initiatives, including its recent successes in combating drug trafficking and violent crime, as well as progress in U.S.-Ecuador security relations and their importance for the region at large. Minister Serrano’s visit seeks to broaden U.S.-Ecuador cooperation in the fight against drug trafficking, public safety, and organized crime – one of the biggest threats to security in the region. Since 2009, Ecuador has invested more than $2.5 billion in security, including $539 million last year alone. These investments translated into police training and better equipment for the armed forces, including planes, helicopters, and submarine refurbishment.

In 2014, Ecuador dismantled 496 drug trafficking organizations and 24 organized crime organizations. Although Ecuador is not a significant producer of drugs, it has consistently increased prevention and control efforts against illegal trafficking due to being located between two of the largest producing countries in the world.

In 2014, according to the Gallup’s Law and Order Index for Security in Latin America, Ecuador obtained 63 points out of 100 – marking a 14 points improvement from previous years. 21 countries are included in the report; Nicaragua, Panamá, and Chile lead the region followed by Ecuador and Uruguay.

The Andean country also ranks among the top 10 most successful countries in the fight against drugs according to the United Nations Office on Drug and Crime (UNODC). The UNODC also ranks Ecuador 4th in maritime drug seizures.

Minister Serrano will present on Ecuador’s public safety strategy at the “Innovations in Citizen Security in Ecuador” event, co-sponsored by the Inter-American Development Bank, on Friday, January 30th at the Wilson Center at 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. The event will feature a discussion on Ecuador’s recent developments in citizen security—new management models, innovative use of technology, and new public policies.