Ecuadorian authorities are investigating a potential security breach after toxic chemicals were found in a gift basket delivered to President Daniel Noboa during an official visit to Babahoyo on October 17.
A report from the Presidential Military House confirmed that three of eight artisanal products — including tamarind jam, cocoa liqueur, and chocolate jam — contained hazardous compounds: thionyl chloride, chloroethanol, and anthracene. These substances are considered highly toxic and potentially lethal if ingested.
A local entrepreneur submitted the items as part of Noboa’s public agenda. Emergency protocols were activated following routine security checks. The contaminated products were isolated and sent for laboratory analysis.