Ecuador now plays a central role in the global cocaine trade. Its ports handle roughly 70% of the world’s cocaine flow, President Daniel Noboa revealed. Positioned near South America’s largest producers, Colombia and Peru, the country has become a key transit point, fuelling Ecuador cocaine trafficking efforts to meet Europe’s escalating demand.

The Albanian Mafia’s Dominance

The Albanian mafia has deeply entrenched itself in Ecuador’s criminal networks. These groups exploit exports like bananas to smuggle drugs. José Antonio Hidalgo of the banana industry highlighted that “66% of containers leaving Ecuador are filled with bananas, of which 29.81% head to Europe.” Many of these shipments are fronts for Ecuador drug smuggling, threatening legitimate business and trade relationships.

Truck drivers and port workers have faced growing risks. Gangs pressure individuals to cooperate. “Juan,” a driver, unknowingly transported a container with hidden drugs. “It used to be kilos, now we talk about tonnes,” he explained. Workers who refuse often face threats or violence.

Police Battle Rising Cocaine Flow

Police efforts to curb Ecuador cocaine trafficking have led to record drug seizures. They confiscated 300 tonnes of cocaine in 2024, a figure that highlights the scale of the operations. Major Christian Cozar Cueva of the National Police noted a 30% rise in shipments aimed at Europe. Despite these interventions, demand for cocaine continues to outpace supply-side enforcement efforts.

The crisis has come at a steep human cost. January 2025 was the deadliest month in recent years, with 781 murders linked to the drug trade. The Albanian mafia’s presence has intensified the violence, thriving amid Ecuador’s economic struggles after the pandemic and previously lax visa policies.

European Demand Fuels Ecuador Drug Smuggling

Consumer markets drive the crisis. UK cocaine use increased by 7% from 2023 to 2024, with the country consuming roughly 117 tonnes annually. The UK’s £11 billion cocaine market gives traffickers ample incentive. Charles Yates of the National Crime Agency stressed, “Supply side action on its own is never going to be enough. What’s really important is changing the demand.”

César, a former Albanian mafia member operating in Ecuador, shared a grim insight. “If consumption keeps growing, so will trafficking. It will be unstoppable,” he warned. His words underline the chain reaction that ripples from European buyers to Ecuadorian communities.

A Push for Global Accountability

President Noboa has urged Europe to confront its role in driving Ecuador cocaine trafficking. He described the grim reality behind drug consumption. “The chain that ends in ‘UK fun’ involves a lot of violence. What’s fun for one person probably involves 20 homicides along the way.”

The devastating consequences of Ecuador drug smuggling affect countless lives and industries. From spiralling violence to economic damage, Ecuador bears a heavy burden. Combating this issue demands a global effort to reduce both demand and supply, protecting vulnerable communities and rebuilding trust in legitimate industries.

Source: BBC