Ecuador’s police seize a cocaine shipment with stickers of Norway’s soccer star Erling Haaland
QUITO, Ecuador (AP) — Norway’s soccer star Erling Haaland ‘s face has appeared on billboards, trading cards and television screens, becoming a social media phenomenon for scoring seven goals across four World Cup matches in July. Now, police in Ecuador have found it in an unexpected place — printed on green rectangular packages that made up a stunning cocaine shipment seized…
Ecuadorian police have seized a large shipment of cocaine, containing 469 kilograms (1,034 pounds) of the drug, near the Colombian border. The driver of the vehicle was arrested, but no explanation was given for the unique stickers featuring Norway's soccer star Erling Haaland on the green rectangular packages. Drug traffickers often label their shipments with the names of well-known sports figures and celebrities to signify the origin of the merchandise and its intended recipient.
The police discovered 370 packages hidden in a false bottom of the truck after receiving an anonymous tip on the Pan-American Highway. The seizure occurred during an anti-narcotics operation. Haaland, known for his impressive performance at the World Cup in Mexico, the United States, and Canada, has become a social media sensation due to his scoring ability and charismatic personality.
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