FLASH
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The joint operation by the Ecuadorian Police, the Public Prosecutor's Office and Europol led to the arrest of 18 people. According to authorities, the group trafficked around 7.5 tons of cocaine worth $225 million.
A large-scale operation carried out by the Ecuadorian National Police, the State Attorney General's Office and Europol has led to the dismantling of a suspected international drug trafficking organization, which, according to authorities, had links to Albanian and Polish criminal structures.
The operation, codenamed "Gran Fénix 0043 – Azkaban", took place in the early morning hours of July 8 and ended with the arrest of 18 people, including an Albanian citizen and a Polish citizen, who are considered the main leaders of the network.
According to investigations, the organization is suspected of having trafficked around 7.5 tons of cocaine, with an estimated value of $225 million on international illegal markets.
One of those arrested is Pëllumb Daci, an Albanian citizen, who according to Ecuadorian authorities acted as a representative and coordinator of European criminal organizations in Ecuadorian territory.
Police allege that his role was to mediate cooperation between South American criminal groups and networks based in Europe, coordinating cocaine shipments to European countries.
Polish national Jakimec Tomasz, who had previously been issued a red notice by Interpol, was also arrested. According to authorities, he was responsible for setting up front companies that were used to disguise drug shipments transported by sea.
Investigations show that the organization had been active since at least 2019 and had established links with Colombian armed groups and criminal gangs in Ecuador.
According to authorities, cocaine was transported from border areas to the provinces of Esmeraldas, Guayas, Azuay and El Oro, where shipments to Europe were prepared.
The narcotics were hidden in containers with legal goods, such as bananas, coffee, seafood and wood, while the main destinations were the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Italy, Denmark and Poland.
During the operation, 16 Ecuadorian citizens were also arrested, who are suspected of having roles in the transportation, storage and security of the criminal organization.
Authorities seized mobile phones and electronic devices, which will be subjected to expertise as part of the investigation to fully uncover the network's activity.
All 18 arrested have been made available to judicial authorities, while investigations continue to identify other accomplices and the full extent of the criminal organization.
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