American analyst: Balluk's new port project undermines US plans in the war on drugs

The administration of former President Donald Trump has taken a tough stance against the flow of illegal drugs entering the United States. As part of its latest trade policy measures, a 25% tariff has been imposed on all goods imported from Mexico. The measure was taken in response to what Trump called the “unacceptable flow of illegal drugs” coming through the southern border. One of the administration’s biggest concerns has been fentanyl.

Senior White House officials have vowed to "declare war" on international drug cartels that control global trafficking networks.

While stopping the fentanyl trade and strengthening border security remain top priorities for the Trump administration, US officials have expressed concern about the European Union's approach, which they accuse of "turning a blind eye" to illegal drug trafficking on the European continent. This lack of response, they say, is helping to expand drug empires in Latin America and beyond.

While drug trafficking is a well-known issue in many European countries, the Balkan country of Albania has recently come under fire after a new investigation revealed the presence of the Albanian mafia in Ecuador. Worryingly, Albanian organized crime now controls much of the flow of cocaine from South America to Europe.

Although Ecuador is not a drug producer, today 70% of the world's cocaine passes through its ports, mainly from Colombia and Peru. Those caught up in the supply chain, as well as those affected by the violent consequences of this market, believe that the responsibility lies with the consuming countries, as increased demand fuels smuggling.

What is certain is that without a determined European fight against drug trafficking within its territory, US efforts to combat illicit substances in North America will become increasingly difficult.

In addition to the need to reduce the demand for drugs, European countries must also take responsibility for the security of their borders, as Europe's ports are particularly vulnerable to drug smuggling. The last decade has seen a significant increase in the use of containerized transport for drug trafficking to the continent.

The situation is further complicated by security concerns related to Chinese ownership of many European ports, including those in Spain, Germany, Belgium, Poland, Sweden, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom.

Europol is in an ongoing fight against criminal organizations that rapidly transport large quantities of cocaine in containers from South America to the EU, through major ports such as Hamburg, Antwerp and Rotterdam. During an investigation last year, Europol seized 35 metric tons of cocaine at these ports, all originating in Ecuador and shipped from Colombia, Suriname, Guyana and Paraguay.

Albanian ports are no exception. In addition to the recent investigation published by the BBC, domestic Albanian politicians have also expressed concerns about the country’s possible involvement in illegal activities. As an illustrative example, the former Minister of Justice of Albania has particularly highlighted the problem of corruption that accompanies the management of ports in the country, citing the case of the strategic Port of Durres, which was involved in international controversy after its sale to a Croatian entity (Schapha doo), with the aim of controlling the port.

He claims that the Albanian Minister of Energy, Infrastructure and Transport, Ms. Belinda Balluku, was also involved in this transaction, who according to him instructed the former port managers to cooperate with the multinational company MAERSK.

If this turns out to be true, then MAERSK's regional executives may have effectively handed over the rights to operate the 45-year-old port to an Albanian oligarch, under the name of the Croatian company.

Of course, every individual, company, or state deserves the presumption of innocence until concrete evidence is provided and the facts are established. Guilt cannot be alleged based solely on suspicion.

However, if the company in question has connections to Ecuador and Colombia, as has been alleged, then the drug trafficking network in Albania and the related security situation may be more complicated and compromised than some think.

The Trump administration's tough stance on the illegal drug trade demonstrates a clear intention to crack down on cartels and disrupt the flow of illegal drugs into the US.

However, these efforts are hampered by a lack of cooperation from Europe, which continues to serve as a key transit point for narcotics coming from Latin America. The dominance of the Albanian mafia on cocaine trafficking routes from South America to Europe highlights the seriousness of this issue.

The fight against drug trafficking requires shared responsibility and full commitment. Europe's contribution can no longer remain passive; EU authorities must take decisive steps to strengthen borders, fight corruption and reduce drug consumption. It is time for Europe to act decisively, becoming an active partner and not an obstacle in global efforts to combat the devastating consequences of drug trafficking.

Townhall is an American media outlet with a clear conservative orientation, known for its open support for former President Donald Trump and his policies.

The platform broadcasts daily news editions through the Salem Radio Network and Sirius XM Patriot Channel 125, offering analysis and commentary from right-wing columnists and high-profile Republican politicians.

Among its regular or guest contributors have been names close to the Trump family, such as Eric Trump, Donald Trump Jr. and Lara Trump./ Townhall