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| At the scene in Guayaquil where Arjan Rizaj was executed, source: X |
In recent years, Albanians have been increasingly involved in the cocaine trade, particularly in Ecuador and Latin America. This involvement extends beyond individual cases, as evidenced by the case of Arjan Rizaj, an Albanian who was executed in Guayaquil, Ecuador, on November 9. Rizaj was reportedly shot in his car, and the killers escaped in a similar vehicle. Rizaj was armed with a pistol and had attempted to protect his bodyguard, who was also wounded in the attack. The bodyguard claimed that Rizaj was not involved in any illegal activities and was just sending money from Canada or another individual from Albania.
#Guayaquil
— Minuto & Medio (@MinMedio) November 10, 2023
Un caso de sicariato ocurrió cerca del sector de emergencia del hospital Luis Vernaza pic.twitter.com/IfrkaCn2m4
This is not the first time an Albanian has been killed in Ecuador. The Albanian mafia's influence in the cocaine trade has been growing, with Albanians playing a significant role in the drug trade in Latin America. According to the Albanian State Police, the extent of Albanian criminal groups in Europe and Latin America has led to increased preventive and striking measures.
The Albanian mafia's control over the UK drugs trade is a testament to their influence in the global narcotics economy. The Albanian effect has profoundly shaped the use, production, and economy of cocaine in the UK. The Albanian gangs have shown that it's possible to dominate drug markets without being greedy, by offering sustainable prices and good quality products.
The Albanian mafia's control over the cocaine trade in Europe has also extended to Latin America. The Albanian connection in Ecuador's crime wave is a testament to this influence. The Albanian mafia's control over Europe's ports was crucial for their success, as they needed to collaborate with the 'Ndrangheta, the most powerful and globalized of the Italian mafias, which controls mainland Europe's cocaine trade.
In Peru, which is far from Albania, trade has flourished between the two countries in recent years. The Albanian state police has strengthened preventive and striking measures, such as increasing proactive investigations, identifying leaders and members of criminal groups, increasing inter-institutional cooperation with local and central police structures, and increasing international cooperation.