Ecuador's New President Reverses Drug Policy and Takes Office

Ecuador's newly sworn-in President Daniel Noboa has repealed guidelines established a decade ago that eliminated penalties for carrying illegal drugs under certain amounts. The move fulfills Noboa's campaign promise to fight drug trafficking, as the consequences of the illegal trade have led to increased crime rates in the country. The old guidelines were criticized for encouraging micro-trafficking, and Noboa aims to develop coordinated information, prevention, and control programs on drug consumption while offering treatment and rehabilitation to users. It remains unclear how the decision will be implemented and how the distinction between consumers and traffickers will be made without the guidelines.