Quito authorities close illegal rehabilitation center

Quito municipal authorities closed an illegal rehabilitation center in the San Bartolo neighborhood of Ecuador’s capital city.

Around ten people were living at the center in crowded and unsanitary conditions that put their physical and mental health at risk. Inspections revealed the center lacked required permits and failed to meet minimum standards for addiction treatment. Investigators found deplorable bathrooms, broken beds, and deteriorated mattresses where patients slept.

They also discovered expired medications, spoiled food, and a machete hidden under a mattress. The center operated within a three-story house that had been rented for unauthorized purposes, with residents on the upper floor and administrators on the second. During the search, authorities seized over 50 boxes of school breakfast rations, milk, porridge, and cereal, which the renters claimed were private donations.

Police records showed one of the center’s administrators had a prior criminal conviction, and neighbors had repeatedly complained about fights and disturbances. Administrators of unlicensed centers face fines of around 4,000 dollars. Since 2025, Quito authorities have closed 45 illegal rehabilitation centers. Previous operations have uncovered weapons, controlled substances, cases of physical abuse, and missing persons.