Armed forces destroy illegal gold mines in Azuay; Motorcycle roundup in Cuenca; China donates $28 million; Quito restaurant named best in Latin America

More than 1,500 soldiers destroyed seven illegal gold mines Wednesday and Thursday in the Pucará canton of Azuay Province, southwest of Cuenca. One man was injured in a gunfight in the Cerro parish during the operations while 11 people, including two Venezuelans and one Colombian, were arrested.

The military command also reported destroying four mining camps where mine workers were housed, and seizing a large quantity of mining equipment, chemicals and explosive used in the mines. In addition, firearms and ammunition were seized as well as cell phones and a motorcycle.

A soldier prepares to blow up the entrance to an illegal gold mine in Pucará canton during a Thursday operation.

“This was a large-scale operation involving hundreds of military personnel, supported by aircraft providing reconnaissance support,” the command said in a press statement. “The area targeted is difficult to access, requiring the specialized skills by trained soldiers.”

The statement added that 12 families living in the area were evacuated during the operation.

The operation follows last week’s military mission that destroyed mines and equipment in Molleturo in the Cajas Mountains.

China donates $28 million for economic reactivation
China is donating $28 million to help boost the economy in Imbabura and Pichincha Provinces following the month-long indigenous strike that ended last week. According to the Foreign Ministry, the funds “will promote innovation, productivity and support entrepreneurial projects to boost the economy of the area.”

The ministry said that the donation represents the “strong ties and friendship” between China and Ecuador and is part of “a broader strategic collaboration” between the countries.

Illegal motorcycle roundup
In operations Wednesday and Thursday nights, the Cuenca Mobility Company (EMOV EP) impounded 70 motorcycles that lacked registration and license plates. In addition, more than 30 citations were issued to drivers for various violations. Several of the motorcycles seized are believed to be stolen, city officials said.

EMOV Agents, working with police, carried out the operations in four sectors of the city where crimes involving motorcycles and motorcycle drivers and passengers have been reported.

Quito restaurant named best in Latin America
The Zero Lab by Uniandes in Quito has been named the best restaurant in Latin America by the World Culinary Awards group. According to the announcement, it was the first time an Ecuadorian restaurant had won the distinction in competition with entries from Peru, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina and Chile.

Located in Quito’s Iñaquito neighborhood, near the El Bosque Shopping Center, Zero Lab describes its mission as serving “Ecuadorian cuisine in its purest form.”

Zero Lab Chefs Carlos and Juan Sebastián Gallardo said the award is a “validation of the high quality of the ingredients and traditions of Ecuadorian food when prepared with care.”

Gallardo was recently appointed Ambassador of the Gastronomy of Ecuador by President Daniel Noboa.