Serbian Flag on Cocaine Haul from Ecuador is a Clue – Not Proof

On July 21, the Italian authorities seized 650 packages with more than 770 kilograms of cocaine at the port of Vado Ligure. The drugs were hidden among pallets of bananas in a refrigerated container from Ecuador. Concealing cocaine in commercial shipments of fresh fruit, particularly bananas from Ecuador, is a well-known method used by criminal actors, including groups from the Balkans. The Vado Ligure seizure, therefore, fits a broader pattern of maritime cocaine trafficking into Europe. In Serbia, however, it wasn’t the size of the seizure or its route that attracted most attention but the Serbian flag displayed on some of the packages. Although the comments posted under the media reports offer only a snapshot of public opinion, they reveal two recurring reactions. Subscribe to Balkan Insight Premium to read the full article. Please login to your account below if you are already a Premium Subscriber. Buy Premium Subscription Our Premium Service gives you full access to all content published on BalkanInsight.com, including analyses, investigations, comments, interviews and more. Choose your subscription today and get unparalleled in-depth coverage of the Southern and Eastern Europe. Buy Premium Subscription If you have trouble logging in or any other questions regarding you account, please contact us