Ecuador is facing a serious crisis as it becomes a major hub for cocaine trafficking to Europe. Despite not producing cocaine itself, the country has seen a staggering 70% of the world’s cocaine passing through its ports. This shift is largely due to the involvement of the Albanian mafia, which has expanded its operations in Ecuador, taking advantage of the country’s strategic location and existing trade routes.
César, a member of a local gang called the Latin Kings, shared his experiences with the Albanian mafia. He was recruited by a corrupt police officer and now works to facilitate drug shipments. He explained the pressure he faces: “If you don’t accept, they kill you.” The Albanian mafia controls a significant portion of the cocaine flow from South America to Europe, smuggling drugs primarily from Colombia and Peru.
Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa highlighted the alarming rise in drug trafficking, stating that the country now serves as a key transit point for cocaine. Police have reported record drug seizures, with nearly 300 tonnes confiscated last year alone. The violence linked to this trade has escalated, with January 2025 marking the deadliest month in recent years, recording 781 murders, many tied to drug-related activities.
César described the methods used to smuggle cocaine, which include hiding drugs in legitimate cargo, breaking into containers at ports, or attaching drugs to ships while at sea. He noted that the financial rewards can be high, but the risks are even greater. The threat of violence looms large, and many in the supply chain, including innocent truck drivers, are caught in dangerous situations.
The banana industry plays a crucial role in this crisis. Bananas make up a significant portion of Ecuador’s exports, and gangs use these shipments to hide cocaine. José Antonio Hidalgo, a representative from the banana sector, explained that 29.81% of Ecuador’s banana exports go to the European Union, where cocaine consumption is rising.
The Albanian mafia has also established fake businesses to facilitate their operations. Dritan Gjika, a key figure in this network, is accused of using fruit export companies in Ecuador as fronts for drug trafficking. Despite being on the run, many of his associates have been convicted following a multinational police operation.
Experts believe that the increase in cocaine trafficking is linked to rising demand in Europe, particularly in the UK, which has one of the highest rates of cocaine use globally. The UK’s National Crime Agency estimates that around 117 tonnes of cocaine are consumed annually in the UK, making it a lucrative market for organized crime.
As the violence escalates, Ecuadorians are calling for greater awareness and responsibility from consumer countries. Prosecutor José emphasized the need for countries with high drug consumption to take action against the gangs financing the trade. President Noboa echoed this sentiment, stating that the violence and suffering caused by the drug trade are often hidden behind the enjoyment of drug use in wealthier nations.
The situation in Ecuador is dire, with the local population bearing the brunt of the drug trade’s consequences. As the country grapples with this crisis, the message is clear: the fight against drug trafficking needs to involve not just local efforts but also international cooperation to address the root causes of demand.