Eight Human Heads Found in Rural Southwest Ecuador

Police reported the grisly discovery in an area plagued by unchecked violence.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Ecuadorian police reported the discovery of eight human heads in a rural area of southwest Ecuador, a region that has been plagued by an uncontrollable wave of violence.

Why it matters

This gruesome finding highlights the ongoing security crisis in parts of Ecuador, where drug trafficking, gang violence, and organized crime have led to a surge in homicides and disappearances in recent years, raising concerns about the government's ability to maintain public safety.

The details

According to the police report, the eight severed heads were found in a rural area of southwest Ecuador. The grisly discovery is the latest in a series of violent incidents that have plagued the region, which has seen a sharp increase in homicides, kidnappings, and other crimes linked to the activities of drug cartels and criminal gangs.

  • The discovery was reported on Saturday, February 14, 2026.

The players

Ecuadorian Police

The law enforcement agency responsible for investigating the discovery of the eight human heads in rural southwest Ecuador.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

This incident underscores the urgent need for the Ecuadorian government to address the ongoing security crisis in the country, particularly in regions like southwest Ecuador that have been hit hard by the rise of organized crime and drug-related violence.