Ecuador’s Cocaine Crisis

Ecudador’s fishing ports appear tranquil, but fishermen have been killed for not cooperating with drug traffickers. Photo Jonathan on UnSplash.

The Rise of the Albanian Mafia

The Albanian mafia has grown in Ecuador in recent years. They are attracted to the country because it’s a key route for cocaine trafficking.

Although Ecuador itself does not cultivate cocaine, about 70% of the world’s cocaine passes through its ports, mainly Guayaquil, according to President Daniel Noboa.

Cocaine is smuggled into Ecuador from its two South American neighbours, Colombia and Peru—both top growers and refiners of the coca leaf.

The Human Cost

Police say they’ve seized more drugs than ever, mostly cocaine. But seizures are only part of the story. January 2025 saw 781 murders, the deadliest month in recent years. Many killings are linked to drug trafficking.

People working in the supply chain shared why the crisis is getting worse. One reason is growing demand in Europe.

Personal Stories

One man who spoke to the BBC got involved with cartels when he was 14 because there weren’t many jobs. He said the Albanians needed help navigating the port system. He paid off guards, truck drivers, and even camera operators to look the other way.

When cocaine enters Ecuador, it’s stored in warehouses until a container is found that’s heading to Europe. Smugglers either hide drugs in cargo, tamper with containers, or attach packages to ships at sea. Sometimes the informant made $3,000 per job. But he also feared for his life. “If you don’t do the job, they’ll kill you,” he says.

The Role of Banana Exports

Ecuador’s banana exports make it an easy target. Banana boxes are ideal for hiding cocaine. Nearly 30% of Ecuador’s banana shipments go to the EU. Gangs have even created fake fruit businesses to cover up drug trafficking.

One Albanian leader, Dritan Gjika, used fruit companies to move cocaine. He’s still on the run, but many of his associates were caught in a police operation. Lawyer Monica Luzárraga, who once defended one of them, says officials ignored signs: banana exports were booming even though the rest of the economy was slow.

Efforts to Combat the Trade

At the ports, police and the army try to stop the trade. They patrol the waters, scan boxes, and even dive under ships. But all their efforts have had no effect on the record amounts of cocaine leaving the country. Nearly 300 tonnes were seized last year. That’s just what was caught.

Major Cozar Cueva says cocaine seizures heading to Europe rose by 30% in recent years. The danger is growing too. Now, instead of kilos, gangs move tonnes. Workers must choose between helping gangs or risking death.

International Implications

People in Ecuador are angry. Many blame the demand in Europe, the US, and Australia. UN data shows cocaine use is higher than ever. The UK is among the biggest users, consuming an estimated 117 tonnes each year. Cocaine-related deaths in the UK rose 30% in 2023, reaching 1,118.

Charles Yates from the UK’s National Crime Agency says the UK is a major target for gangs, with a cocaine market worth £11 billion. He says law enforcement alone can’t solve the problem—reducing demand is crucial.

Presidential Election

Ecuador is approaching a pivotal presidential runoff election this weekend, featuring Noboa, the incumbent, and challenger Luisa González.

In the first round on February 9, Noboa secured 44.17% of the vote, narrowly surpassing González, who received 44%. Noboa, a 37-year-old businessman and son of a magnate, initially gained popularity by deploying the military to address escalating drug-related violence, resulting in a reported 15% reduction in violent deaths.

However, his administration has faced criticism due to a resurgence of violence, prolonged power outages, and diplomatic tensions, notably the controversial raid on the Mexican Embassy.

González, a 47-year-old lawyer and president of the Citizen Revolution Movement, is closely associated with former socialist President Rafael Correa. She too advocates for significant military operations against crime, enhanced law enforcement technology, and increased social spending in violence-stricken areas.

Conclusion

Who will win is anyone’s guess at this point of the campaign, but Noboa may have a slight edge with undecided voters more on the principle of better the devil you know than in any great faith in his leadership.

Sources: BBC, El Pais.