A shipment bound for Havana containing 17,600 doses of cocaine hydrochloride was intercepted by Ecuador's National Police during a control operation conducted on November 16 at Quito's Mariscal Sucre International Airport.
The narcotics, disguised as "chocolate powder," weighed a total of 1,760 grams and were valued at over $52,000 in Cuba.
What initially appeared to be a commercial shipment of food products turned out to be a drug consignment ready to head for the Cuban capital.
Discovery During Routine Airport Inspection
The discovery unfolded during a routine inspection in the airport's cargo area when detection dogs "Vera" and "Nita" of the Canine Training Regional Center (CRAC) alerted to several packages, according to an Ecuadorian police statement.
The dogs' behavior suggested something unusual within the parcels.
Officers from the National Port and Airport Investigation Unit (UIPA), in collaboration with the National Anti-Drug Investigation Directorate, proceeded to open the suspicious boxes.
Inside, they found five cylindrical plastic jars labeled as “cocoa powder.” However, upon opening them, the contents revealed their true nature.
Within the containers were 17 latex-wrapped packages filled with a white powdery substance.
Using "Tanred" and "Scott" chemical reagents, it was confirmed to be cocaine hydrochloride.
Simultaneous Operations to Uncover Tainted Shipments
This seizure was part of a series of anti-drug operations conducted that same day at the air terminal.
The operations—dubbed “Choco 1,” “Remesa,” “Choco-listo,” “Recipiente,” and “Cocoa”—were orchestrated by the National Police with technical support from specialized units adept at detecting narcotics in ports and airports.
The official statement emphasized these operations as part of a continuous surveillance strategy over air cargo destined for international locations, particularly on routes known for criminal activity.
Authorities highlighted that the discovery was made possible “thanks to coordinated efforts between the UIPA and the CRAC.”
Value of the Seized Drugs
According to the National Police, the confiscated load is worth roughly $4,000 in the local Ecuadorian market, but its value in Cuba escalates to $52,800, supporting the theory of a planned trafficking attempt with commercial intent.
Local media outlet Metro noted that the jars bore recognizable food product brands, used as camouflage to ease passage through inspections.
While no arrests have been reported thus far, police confirmed they are “continuing investigative efforts to apprehend those responsible for this crime.”
The investigation now focuses on identifying the senders, based on the sender's information and other evidence gathered during the inspection.
Authorities have not disclosed whether the drug's final destination was linked to micro-trafficking networks in Cuba or if it was part of a larger operation.
However, the scale of the seizure and the estimated value of the cargo suggest an organized structure with experience in utilizing international logistical routes.
This operation adds to a series of drug confiscations in Ecuador, a country increasingly used as a departure point for drug shipments not only to North America and Europe but also to the Caribbean.
The use of shipments disguised as everyday consumer goods is part of the increasingly sophisticated strategies of drug trafficking networks.
“The police institution reiterates its commitment to preventing criminal organizations from using shipping services to export drugs,” concluded the official statement.
Key Questions About the Cocaine Seizure at Ecuador Airport
How was the cocaine disguised for shipment?
The cocaine was hidden in containers labeled as “chocolate powder” to disguise it as a commercial food product.
What was the estimated value of the cocaine in Cuba?
The estimated value of the cocaine in Cuba was over $52,000.
Were any arrests made during the operation?
No arrests have been reported so far, but investigations continue to identify those responsible.