In Durán, Ecuador, police are fighting against powerful gangs involved in drug activity. Captain Jean Carlos Bustamante leads a special team, but he knows there are corrupt members within the police force itself. Many officers receive money from gangs, and this situation makes it very difficult to win the fight. Captain Bustamante has said that the only police officers he trusts are the ones who are part of his hand-picked team. During one recent operation, Bustamante and his team entered a poor neighbourhood believing that hidden weapons were in an abandoned house. They discovered two handguns during the raid; one was old and rusty, while the other was ready to be used. Captain Bustamante felt satisfied, believing that fewer guns on the street would help reduce violence. However, he understands that the gangs are very rich and dangerous. Many people died last year due to gang violence, and more than 9,200 murders were reported. This ongoing struggle shows that the war against drugs in Ecuador is tough and complex. The gangs are not only armed but also connected with powerful criminal organizations. Bustamante says that if they do not address the corruption within the police, their efforts may not bring lasting change. Therefore, fighting against the gangs in Ecuador requires both action and trust among the police force.
B1 · Intermediate · 218 words · ~1 min
Word notebook · B1
Tap a highlighted word in the text, or study the list below.
- corruption
- the act of being dishonest or committing illegal activities to gain money or power.
- weapons
- objects used to harm someone, like guns or knives.
- authority
- the power to enforce rules or make decisions.
- neighbourhood
- a specific area where people live.
- operation
- a planned activity or mission, especially in law enforcement.
- murder
- the illegal act of killing someone.
- satisfied
- feeling content or pleased with something.
- hidden
- not visible or concealed.
Comprehension check · B1
Finished reading? See how much stuck.
1.What do Captain Bustamante's trusted officers have in common?
2.What do the gangs in Ecuador have that makes them difficult to fight?
3.What type of weapons did Bustamante's team discover in the abandoned house?
















































