Ecuadorian police are increasingly discovering Santa Muerte altars in drug dens, as local gangs adopt the Mexican “death saint” for protection.

In Duran, offerings and even alleged human sacrifices have been made to the saint, a practice linked to Mexican cartel influence.

Authorities estimate six out of ten raids in 2024 uncovered such shrines, CBS News has reported.

President Daniel Noboa has declared a war on gangs, deploying troops and cracking down on crime, though concerns grow over potential stigmatization of Santa Muerte followers.

Written by B.C. Begley