Ecuador, the South American country, has declared a state of emergency over crime wave. Ecuador's President Guillermo Lasso announced a 60-day state of emergency yesterday amidst a rise in violent drug crimes.<br />'' <br />''The announcement came on the eve of a visit by US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken. The two leaders will discuss questions of security, defence and trade. The South American country is grappling with a surge in violent crime and deadly prison riots. The government has pointed to drug trafficking and consumption as the underlying problem.<br />'' <br />''<span style="color: #222222;">Soldiers in riot gear reached to reinforce authorities after street merchants protested the seizure of their merchandise by the Municipal Police of Quito.</span><br />