Ecuadorian police seize cocaine shipment featuring Erling Haaland labels

On August 13, 2026, authorities in Ecuador discovered a large shipment of cocaine hidden inside a truck near the town of Tulcan, close to the Colombian border. During the operation, which was initiated following an anonymous tip, police seized 370 packages of drugs concealed in a specially modified double floor of the vehicle. While sources provide slightly differing figures regarding the total weight, with reports stating either 469 kilograms or 369 kilograms of narcotics, both confirm the recovery of hundreds of packages.

A notable detail of the seizure was that each drug package featured stickers depicting the face of Norwegian football star Erling Haaland. Law enforcement officials noted that this is a common tactic used by drug trafficking organizations to mark batches, indicating the source of production or the intended recipient network. Similar methods have previously been used with other high-profile figures, including Lionel Messi.

The operation took place in the Guagua Negro area, approximately 246 kilometers north of the capital, Quito. While the police have released video evidence of the discovery and the removal of the contraband, the investigation remains ongoing to identify those responsible for the transport. No arrests or further legal proceedings were immediately detailed in the current reports.