Ecuador should hold violent convicts on prison boats, says presidential hopeful Noboa

Ecuadorean presidential candidate Daniel Noboa addresses the media during a news conference, in Guayaquil, Ecuador August 22, 2023. REUTERS/Vicente Gaibor del Pino

GUAYAQUIL (Reuters) - Ecuador should strengthen controls at its borders and ports to fight drug trafficking and isolate its most violent criminals on prison boats, presidential candidate Daniel Noboa said on Tuesday.

Noboa, son of prominent banana businessman and perennial presidential hopeful Alvaro Noboa, was a surprise second-place finisher in the weekend first round of Ecuador's presidential election, winning 23.5% of the vote.