The recent prison riots in Ecuador, which resulted in the deaths of 31 inmates, have drawn attention to the escalating issues of drug trafficking and gang violence in the region. The riots, involving notorious gangs Los Cheneros and Los Lobos, were marked by the discovery of firearms, knives, and explosives within the prison walls. Ecuador, situated between Peru and Colombia—both major drug-producing nations—has become a focal point in the global fight against narcotics. President Daniel Noboa, 37, has strengthened ties with the United States, notably with former President Donald Trump, and has plans to re-establish a US military base in Manta, a move that underscores the strategic importance of the region. The situation in Ecuador bears striking similarities to Trinidad and Tobago (TT), where drug exportation, gang turf wars, and political alliances with the US on drug interdiction are prevalent. TT’s prison system is also plagued by gang activity, with inmates reportedly using sophisticated cell phones to coordinate external operations. Hayden Forde, the newly appointed head of prisons, faces scrutiny over the allowance of internet connections in jails. The Prime Minister of TT remains steadfast in her commitment to curbing drug flow, emphasizing her partnership with the US. The crisis calls for a unified approach involving the homeland security minister, the police commissioner, and the acting prisons commissioner to safeguard the nation’s future.