Eight severed human heads have been discovered in Ecuador's coastal province of Guayas, left near a sign reading 'stealing is forbidden'. The grisly find, made on Saturday, is believed to be linked to ongoing gang violence in the region.
Police commander Marcelo Castillo stated that pamphlets were found near the sacks containing the heads, bearing the message 'stealing is prohibited'. The victims are thought to have been killed in the neighbouring province of Manabi, which has seen a surge in drug-trafficking related violence.
This incident follows a similar discovery last month, when five severed heads were found hanging from ropes on a tourist beach in Puerto Lopez, accompanied by a warning to alleged extortionists of fishermen. Drug networks have been using local fishermen for illicit activities.
Ecuador has been gripped by a wave of violence for over four years, becoming a key logistics hub for drug trafficking. Last year was the bloodiest on record, with more than 9,000 homicides. A state of emergency remains in force in nine provinces, including Manabi, as authorities struggle to contain the violence.
