Ecuador to Extradite Salcedo and Herrera on October 29
The Ecuadorian suspects will face federal criminal charges in New York following their handover to U.S. authorities.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Drug Crime
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Ecuador will extradite Daniel Salcedo and Ronald Herrera to the United States on October 29, 2026. Both men face federal charges in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York.
Why it matters
The extradition follows an April 2024 referendum that allowed for the transfer of Ecuadorian citizens to face foreign charges. The U.S. government requested the handover due to the pair's alleged involvement in a transnational drug network.
Daniel Salcedo faces five criminal charges, including money laundering and conspiracy to import Colombian cocaine. His six previous convictions in Ecuador will be paused during the U.S. federal proceedings.
The players
Daniel Salcedo
He is a central figure in a drug network facing five criminal charges in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York.
Ronald Herrera
He is a former police officer and a protected witness in the ongoing investigation into the assassination of Fernando Villavicencio.
Fernando Villavicencio
He was an Ecuadorian presidential candidate who was shot and killed in Quito in August 2023.
John Reimberg
He serves as the Interior Minister of Ecuador and announced the upcoming transfer of the two suspects to the United States.
Los Lobos
This gang was designated as a foreign terrorist organization by the United States government in September 2025.
The details
The suspects allegedly operated a drug network from 2023 to 2026 that converted profits into cryptocurrency before moving them into the U.S. financial system. Ronald Herrera, a former police officer, also serves as a protected witness in the murder case of Fernando Villavicencio.
Timeline
August 9, 2023: Fernando Villavicencio was shot dead in Quito.
April 2024: Voters approved the extradition of Ecuadorian citizens.
October 1, 2026: Ecuador's National Court of Justice granted the extradition requests.
October 14, 2026: Interior Minister John Reimberg announced the extradition date.
October 29, 2026: Salcedo and Herrera will be handed to U.S. authorities.
Legal Context
The extradition marks a direct application of the constitutional changes approved by voters in the April 2024 referendum. This policy shift enables the state to hand over citizens to foreign courts to face prosecution for transnational crimes.
The transition of these high-profile figures reflects ongoing efforts by authorities to dismantle transnational criminal networks operating in the region. Residents can expect continued legal developments as U.S. courts begin proceedings against the suspects.
The takeaway
The extradition underscores the growing cooperation between Ecuadorian and U.S. authorities in combating transnational money laundering and drug trafficking. This shift signals a new era for legal accountability for individuals accused of crimes across borders.
Further reading
Learn more about international enforcement in our Drug Crime section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Rio Times.
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