FLASH
Shkruar nga Pamfleti
The Albanian mafia and the Italian 'Ndrangheta organization are clashing for control of cocaine trafficking routes in Ecuador, a country that is becoming a major hub for drug trafficking to Europe. Ecuadorian authorities warn that European criminal groups are operating in alliance with local gangs and Latin American cartels, while violence and territorial disputes are escalating in the country's strategic port areas...
A silent war between the Albanian mafia and the Italian mafia organization 'Ndrangheta is taking place in Ecuador, the Latin American country that in recent years has become one of the most important hubs for international cocaine trafficking to Europe.
Ecuadorian authorities warn that the El Oro province, in the southwest of the country, has become a strategic territory where European criminal groups, Mexican cartels and local gangs are clashing for control of ports, sea routes and money laundering networks.
The alarm was raised by Colonel Renato González , commander of Zone 7 of the Ecuadorian Police, during a major security operation in Puerto Bolívar, one of the most important Pacific ports for illegal drug exports.
According to him, the Albanian mafia and the Italian Calabrian mafia 'Ndrangheta have created powerful structures in the country and are fighting for influence over the logistical and financial chains of drug trafficking.
" There is a confirmed presence of the Albanian mafia and the Italian 'Ndrangheta. These organizations are operating in Ecuadorian territory through alliances with local criminal groups ," González declared.
Authorities say that El Oro has become a key point for international mafias due to its geographical position, maritime access and proximity to Colombia, where most of the cocaine enters and is then trafficked to Europe and North America.
This scheme also includes the Mexican Sinaloa cartel and armed criminal groups in the Colombian region of Nariño, which supply Ecuadorian networks with drugs.
According to police investigations, local Ecuadorian groups store and transport the cargo, while European mafias control the finances, exports and money laundering.
Colonel González stressed that the Italian mafia 'Ndrangheta operates in a more sophisticated manner, using companies, business structures and financial mechanisms to legalize the profits of organized crime.
" These organizations do not deal directly with drug shipments. They control the criminal economy, logistics and money laundering ," he stated.
The struggle for control of the traffic has also led to a dramatic increase in violence in Ecuador. The fragmentation of local gangs, especially the notorious Los Lobos group, has created bloody wars for territory and strategic ports.
According to authorities, one faction of "Los Lobos" is controlled by Carlos Leones, known as "Calaca", while another group is led by Edison Delgado, alias "Saoco", and his associates.
In an attempt to regain control, the Ecuadorian government has launched Operation "Limpieza Total", where nearly 1,000 police and soldiers are conducting massive checks in Puerto Bolívar and surrounding areas.
Security forces have searched over 1,600 homes, destroyed watchtowers used by criminal groups, and seized radio communications used to warn gangs of police movements.
Authorities suspect that around 200 unmarked vessels in the port are used to hide and transport drugs, weapons and contraband goods.
Ecuadorian Defense Minister Gian Carlo Loffredo declared that the army will maintain a permanent presence in the most dangerous areas to curb the expansion of international mafias and restore state control.
Officials also warn that criminal groups are using advanced technology, including drones and modern communication systems, while calling for stronger international cooperation to combat networks operating across borders.
For Ecuadorian authorities, the battle is no longer just against local gangs. It has become an open war against global mafias that are using Ecuador as the main gateway for cocaine to Europe. / Pamphlet
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