Photo credit: www.bbc.com

The Cocaine Crisis in Ecuador: A Deepening Dilemma

Guayaquil, Ecuador – The increasing presence of the Albanian mafia in Ecuador has alarmed authorities as it aligns with the growing power of local gangs like the Latin Kings. A source, referred to as César to protect his identity, has provided chilling insights into how this syndicate operates. He described being coerced by calls from gang leaders demanding deliveries of significant drug shipments, underscoring the perilous nature of his involvement.

César’s recruitment into the drug trade began at age 14, fueled by a lack of opportunities. Today, he is embroiled in one of Ecuador’s most challenging crises, which has seen the country become a central hub for cocaine trafficking despite not being a producer. Recent statements from Ecuadorean President Daniel Noboa indicate that about 70% of the world’s cocaine now transits through Ecuador’s ports, primarily trafficked from Colombia and Peru, the world’s largest producers of the drug.

As the cocaine trade intensifies, so do the associated violent crime rates. January 2025 recorded 781 murders in Ecuador, marking it as one of the deadliest months in recent history, a grim reminder of the consequences tied to drug trafficking.

Our investigation into the supply chain revealed disturbing realities of the drug trafficking ecosystem. César articulated that the Albanian syndicate required local operatives to navigate the ports and transport routes. His responsibilities included bribing transportation officials and port employees to facilitate drug shipments concealed within legitimate cargo. With gang violence escalating, César notes the deadly stakes involved in refusing assignments: “If you don’t comply, they’ll kill you.”

Beyond notorious figures like César, ordinary workers in Ecuador’s transport industry are inadvertently enmeshed in this dangerous web. A truck driver, Juan, recounted transporting a seemingly legitimate cargo of tuna to a warehouse that later turned out to be a front for drug smuggling. Many transport workers find themselves unwittingly involved in the delivery of narcotics, while others face threats if they refuse assignments.

This situation has attracted criminal enterprises to Ecuador, exploiting both its strategic location and legitimate trade routes. With 66% of shipping containers exported being bananas, traffickers cleverly hide illicit goods within legal freight. Prosecutors have called attention to instances where drug trafficking organizations disguise themselves as legitimate businesses for smuggling operations.

Rising Rates of Cocaine Exports

Amid efforts to combat this escalating crisis, Ecuador’s law enforcement struggles to keep pace with rising drug exports. Police reports detail an unprecedented rise in cocaine seizures, with nearly 300 tonnes confiscated last year alone. Major Christian Cozar Cueva of the National Police noted a 30% rise in drug seizures destined for Europe, affirming concerns that as the demand grows, so does the danger.

The increased volume has rendered the nation’s transport workers more vulnerable, as truck drivers like Juan navigate the risk of “container contamination,” referring to the surreptitious loading of narcotics in shipping containers without their knowledge. He reflected on the expanding size of drug shipments, indicating a transition from kilograms to tonnes of cocaine more frequently being transported.

The ongoing impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic have only exacerbated the situation, making more Ecuadoreans susceptible to gang recruitment as the national economy faltered. The aftermath of the pandemic laid the groundwork for increased infiltration by European criminal groups, which began flooding into the region around 2021.

Addressing the Crisis: A Call to Action for Consumer Nations

Many involved in this ongoing crisis, from law enforcement to local residents, point their fingers at foreign consumers driving the demand for cocaine. With data from the UN highlighting rising global cocaine usage, the implications for Ecuador are severe. Countries like the UK, with an estimated annual cocaine consumption of about 117 tonnes, stand out as significant contributors to this crisis.

UK authorities estimate the cocaine market in Britain to be worth around £11 billion, with criminal organizations earning substantial profits from this demand. Officials have emphasized that without addressing the demand side, efforts to curb supply can only go so far. The National Crime Agency (NCA) has warned that the repercussions of drug use are not limited to the foreign markets but extend back to impact communities in Ecuador. The collateral damage extends to the lives of Ecuadorean citizens caught in the violent cycle of drug trafficking.

Ecuadorian banana exporters face reputational risks, and local children are increasingly drawn into the criminal underbelly due to economic desperation. President Daniel Noboa has made it a core priority to eliminate these gangs and has called upon European consumers to recognize their role in perpetuating the violence surrounding drug trafficking.

In a direct appeal to those consuming drugs overseas, he highlighted how their desires fuel violence in Ecuador, stating, “What is fun for one person probably involves a lot of violence along the way.” The urgent need for change is clear: combatting the supply chain begins with reducing demand and fostering cooperation between producer and consumer nations to address this complex crisis.

Source
www.bbc.com