Founder of divisive US security contractor Blackwater Erik Prince takes part in a large-scale military and police operation targeting drug gangs in Ecuador, marking his first public appearance in the South American country following a "strategic alliance" with Ecuadorean President Daniel Noboa ahead of a knife-edge run-off election on April 13. "We are here to help you, and we look forward to helping Ecuador be peaceful and stable again," says Prince, a former Navy SEAL. The operation, involving 650 police and military personnel, saw raids on homes and drug addiction rehab centers where residents were allegedly forced to extort others, according to authorities. IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES