Ecuadorian anti-narcotics agents seized approximately 1,000 pounds of cocaine bricks marked with stickers of Norwegian soccer star Erling Haaland. The drugs were discovered in a false bottom within a truck bed on the Pan-American Highway.
The driver of the vehicle was arrested at the scene, but has not provided an explanation for the use of Haaland's image on the contraband. Police indicated that criminal organizations sometimes use celebrity likenesses on their shipments to denote origin or indicate a specific network and clientele.
This is not the first instance of celebrities' images appearing on illicit drug packaging. Lionel Messi, the captain of the Argentine national soccer team, has also been featured on seized drug shipments.
Haaland, a prominent player for Manchester City in the Premier League, has gained significant international recognition, including a notable World Cup performance and an embrace of American culture. His image appearing on the seized cocaine suggests a widespread notoriety.