Ecuador police announced on Tuesday (August 11) the seizure of $11 million worth of cocaine packaged with the image of Manchester City and Norway national team striker Erling Haaland, a significant development in the country’s ongoing fight against drug trafficking. The operation, conducted following an anonymous tip, involved the confiscation of the stash in a truck near the Colombian border. The truck driver, identified as María R., was arrested following the seizure, but the specific reason for the cocaine’s unusual branding remains unclear. However, police revealed that the image of Haaland, a global celebrity, has been strategically incorporated into the shipments, a common tactic utilized by drug traffickers to signal the origin and client of the merchandise.
The cocaine, reportedly originating from Colombia and Peru, was found in green rectangular packages, each containing approximately 369 kilograms (813 pounds), according to police reports. The seized package was part of a larger operation involving a truck near the Colombian border, where police discovered 370 packages hidden within a false bottom. A video showcasing the spilled packages and the Haaland image was released, highlighting the widespread use of the footballer’s face as a marketing strategy to generate interest and publicity for illicit operations.
The estimated value of the shipment is nearly $842,000 in the domestic market and over $11 million in the US and over $19.6 million (17 million euros) in Europe, indicating a substantial financial incentive for the drug trade. Ecuador, a strategic logistical hub for drug trafficking, is heavily reliant on this network, with 80% of the cocaine originating from Colombia and the remaining portion originating from Peru. The authorities have noted a growing trend of drug smuggling operations in Ecuador, with previous seizures totaling over 80 tons of drugs in the first half of the year, and nearly 215 tons in 2025, emphasizing the persistent challenges in combating drug trafficking within the region. Police are investigating the connection between the Haaland image and the operation, suggesting a deliberate attempt to leverage the star’s fame to increase the value and visibility of the illicit cargo.
Watch Related Video
Source: Graphic Online
