The start of Ecuador’s soccer championship has been postponed until March 1 due to a security crisis after a wave of drug-related violence swept the country last month, AFP reported.

>> “Martial law” in Ecuador after the escape of the dangerous drug dealer Fito, the leader of the group “Los Choneros”

The soccer championship in Ecuador was postponed due to the escape of the dangerous drug dealer Fito

This was reported by the LigaPro organizer. The championship was supposed to start on February 16, and the absolute champion is LSU Quito.

Quito declared a state of emergency on Jan. 8 after the escape of gang leader Adolfo Macias, known as “Fito,” sparked an unprecedented wave of criminal violence across the country.

Drug-trafficking gangs, mostly Colombians and Mexicans, are waging war even inside prisons, where at least 20 people have been killed and about 200 police officers and guards taken hostage since the beginning of the year.

In response to the security crisis, the government declared a state of emergency until March from midnight to 5 a.m. in areas considered very dangerous in 10 of the country’s 24 provinces, such as Pichincha (capital region) and Guayas (south). -west), writes News.ro.

“We agree with the decisions taken by the police,” said LigaPro president Miguel Angel Loor, who hopes that “on March 1 we can start normally, with the public, without problems.”