How a Gang Used Scopolamine to Rob Homes in Ecuador

A gang that used scopolamine to rob homes was dismantled after a month-long investigation. They operated in Quito, Guayaquil, Riobamba, and Portoviejo. Their latest robbery in Quito involved leaving a victim unconscious and stealing valuables worth $150,000.

Modus Operandi: Fake Dates and Drugged Drinks

The group, consisting of three members, lured victims through social media. A Venezuelan woman arranged fake dates, met the victims, and convinced them to bring her to their homes.

While inside, she offered a drugged drink containing scopolamine, which disorients and incapacitates the victim. Once the victim was unconscious, she called her accomplice, who waited outside in a car, and together they robbed the home.

Police Capture and Stolen Goods Recovered

The gang’s last robbery saw them stealing luxury watches, gold chains, personal items, and cash. Police, who were already tracking the group, observed the woman leaving a victim’s home with a large suitcase.

She and her accomplice were arrested after withdrawing money at an ATM and returning to an apartment in northern Quito. A raid on the apartment led to the arrest of a 24-year-old man and the seizure of drugs.

A second raid in central Quito captured the 30-year-old woman and a 33-year-old man with prior robbery charges. Part of the stolen items, sent to Guayas for sale, was recovered at the Guayaquil bus terminal.

Victims reportedly took up to 96 hours to recover after being drugged.

Source: Primicias.