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Marco Ebben was a 32-year-old Dutch drug kingpin. He has been killed in Mexico. He was one of the most wanted criminals in Europe. Moreover, authorities reported that he died in a gun battle in Atizapan de Zaragoza. This is about 15 miles from Mexico. The drug kingpin has been shot dead in a car park. Continue reading to know more about the most wanted European drug kingpin who is killed in Mexico.
Details of the Shooting
Marco Ebben was shot dead on Thursday in a car park outside Mexico City. The state prosecutor’s office confirmed his identity. An official spoke to the AFP news agency about the case. They wished to remain anonymous. However, graphic images have circulated online showing Marco’s body on the floor of a car park. This was after he was shot there. For months, he was suspected of living in Mexico with a new identity. He reportedly faked his own death last October. This was during the turf war between the two factions of the Sinaloa Cartel.
Background on Marco Marco Ebben
The kingpin was known for smuggling drugs from Brazil to the Netherlands. He was on the European law enforcement agency Europol’s list. This list was of “most wanted fugitives”. Also, in October 2020, he was sentenced to more than seven years in prison. This was in absentia. However, he managed to avoid arrest at that time.
Drug Smuggling Operations
Marco Ebben and his accomplices allegedly smuggled 400 kilograms (880 pounds) of cocaine. This was between 2014 to 2015. They hid the drugs in containers filled with pineapples. Moreover, Europol provided this information as part of its investigation into his activities.
Faking His Death
Ebben reportedly faked his own death in October 2024. This was to escape law enforcement. He did this while he was in Culiacan. It was a stronghold of the Sinaloa Cartel. A turf war was going on at that time. The war was between two factions of the cartel.
Also, reports indicated that he belonged to one of these factions. However, no solid evidence of his death was found. The only claim was from a girlfriend. She said that she recognized the body.
Violence in Sinaloa
The violence in Sinaloa increased. This was after the surprise arrest of Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada. He is a co-founder of the Sinaloa Cartel. Moreover, he was arrested on U.S. soil in late July. His arrest is believed to have caused an internal power struggle within the Cartel.
The violence within the Cartel has intensified within the last few months. This surge showed the unexpected arrest of Ismael. Also, his arrest created a power vacuum. This led to brutal fighting among the rival factions. Different groups are fighting for control right now. Hence, the situation remains critical in the Cartel.
Arrest of Another Drug Trafficker
Mexican authorities also announced the arrest of another trafficker. This was on the same day of Ebben’s arrest. This person was active in the northern state of Chihuahua. Also, he was wanted by the U.S. states. Mexican media identified the suspect as Humberto Rivera. Moreover, he had several aliases. These included “El Chato”, “El Don”, and “El Viejon”. This arrest shows the ongoing efforts of the Mexican authorities to combat drug trafficking in the region.
Also, Mexican authorities announced the arrest of a pilot linked to the Los Chapitos faction of the Sinaloa Cartel. This faction is run by the sons of Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman. This is a notorious drug kingpin currently in prison. The pilot is also known as “El Jando”. He was detained during an operation. This operation also resulted in the death of a soldier.
Reports indicate that El Jado was a senior figure in the Los Chapitos faction. This was at the time of his arrest last Saturday. Currently, he is awaiting court documents. These are to be prepared for his case.
Conclusion
Marco Ebben’s death is an integral moment in the fight against drug trafficking. This is particularly true in the case of Mexico. His history as a fugitive and a kingpin made him a recognized figure. He was known throughout Europe’s criminal underground. The violent circumstances of his death show the ongoing crisis within drug cartels in Mexico. The law enforcement is at its best right now. It is targeting high-profile criminals. However, the situation remains tense in areas affected by drug-related violence.
