Ecuadorian police have seized a large shipment of cocaine, totaling 1,034 pounds (469 kilograms), which was marked with stickers featuring the face of Norwegian soccer star Erling Haaland. The seizure occurred Wednesday in a truck near the Colombian border.
The driver of the vehicle was arrested in connection with the operation. Police discovered 370 packages of cocaine hidden within a false bottom of the truck. Videos released by the police show the packages bearing the image of the golden-haired striker, who has gained widespread popularity for his performances in the FIFA World Cup. It is a common practice for drug traffickers to use images of well-known sports figures and celebrities to identify their networks and intended recipients.
Drug Trafficking in Ecuador
Ecuador is recognized as a significant logistical hub for drug trafficking, serving as a base for stockpiling and distributing narcotics, primarily to the United States via Central American routes, and also to Europe. Local criminal gangs, often in alliance with Colombian and Mexican cartels, manage these trafficking routes. The majority of the drugs, approximately 80%, originate in Colombia, with the remainder coming from Peru.
In the first half of the current year, Ecuadorian police reported seizing 80 tons of drugs. This follows confiscations of nearly 215 tons in 2025 and almost 295 tons in 2024, predominantly cocaine.
The estimated value of the seized shipment is approximately $842,000 on the domestic market. If trafficked to the U.S., its value could exceed $11 million, and in Europe, it could be worth more than $19.6 million.
Images of other prominent soccer stars, such as Lionel Messi, have also reportedly appeared on previously seized drug packages. Haaland's popularity, amplified by his role in the recent World Cup held across Mexico, the United States, and Canada, has led to a surge of viral content and memes, which may have contributed to his image's adoption by traffickers.