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Abstract
The illicit diversion and trafficking of grenades and other explosives across the Peru-Ecuador border presents a significant and ongoing challenge to regional security. This movement of explosive materials, often originating in Peru and transiting through Ecuador before reaching armed groups in Colombia. The extent of this issue became evident in October 2022, when an investigation by Punto Final identified a lack of effective border controls, which facilitates these illegal transfers. This border vulnerability is a key factor enabling the operation of trafficking networks. The urgency of this matter was highlighted by an Infobae article, which revealed that throughout 2022, Ecuador's Military Intelligence Command consistently communicated concerns to the Peruvian Army, reporting that thousands of explosives, including grenades and other types of weapons, were regularly crossing the Tumbes border.