Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa has reported a foiled assassination attempt involving poisoned gifts of chocolate and jam. During a public event in Babahoyo, Los Ríos province, on October 17, 2025, Noboa received a basket containing tamarind and chocolate jams, as well as a cocoa mistela, from a local entrepreneur. Subsequent laboratory tests conducted by his security team revealed the presence of three highly concentrated toxic substances—thionyl chloride, chloroethanol, and anthracene—indicating deliberate contamination. The products lacked the necessary health certifications for human consumption .
The presidential security team promptly filed a formal complaint with the Attorney General’s Office, submitting the laboratory findings as evidence. Defense Minister Gian Carlo Loffredo has characterized the incident as an “assassination attempt,” and the military body responsible for Noboa’s security has initiated an investigation .
The entrepreneur who provided the gifts, Yolanda Peñafiel, has denied any malicious intent. She stated that the products were homemade and had been inspected by military personnel before delivery. Expressing concern over the accusations, Peñafiel has called for a thorough investigation to clear her name .
This incident marks the second alleged assassination attempt on President Noboa. Earlier this month, his motorcade was targeted by protesters in Canar province, who threw stones and, according to some reports, Molotov cocktails and homemade rockets. Defense Minister Loffredo also referred to that event as an “assassination attempt,” although no evidence of gunfire was found .
The Noboa administration has faced significant unrest, particularly from Indigenous groups like CONAIE, who have organized strikes and protests against rising fuel prices and other government policies. The president has suggested that these incidents may be linked to the broader climate of political instability and violence in the country .
As investigations continue, the government is under increasing pressure to address both the immediate security concerns and the underlying social and political issues contributing to the unrest.
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