Additional Coverage:
Ecuadorian authorities recently intercepted a sizable cocaine shipment hidden in a truck near the Colombian border, with an unusual twist: the drug packages were labeled with the names of soccer stars Erling Haaland and Lionel Messi.
Officials from the Attorney General’s Office announced that agents discovered 370 blocks of cocaine concealed within a modified compartment of the vehicle in Tulcán, located in the northern Carchi province. The total weight of the shipment was confirmed at 1,036 pounds.
Of these blocks, 339 were marked “HAALAND,” while 31 bore the name “MESSI.” The truck’s driver, identified as Colombian national María Camila R., was arrested and charged with drug trafficking. A judge has ordered her to remain in pretrial detention as the investigation proceeds.
Authorities have yet to clarify the specific reason behind the use of the soccer players’ names on the cocaine packages. However, it is known that drug traffickers often use logos, celebrity names, or symbols on their shipments to distinguish between different consignments, identify sources or recipients, and communicate perceived quality, according to reports from Mexican media.
Ecuadorian officials are now investigating the significance of these particular markings. The region around Tulcán, situated near the northern border with Colombia, remains a hotspot for anti-drug trafficking operations, with frequent vehicle inspections aimed at curbing the illegal trade.