Marco Ebben, a notorious European narcotics trafficker, was one of the most wanted criminals by Europol. Born in the Netherlands, Ebben was deeply involved in the international drug trade, particularly in the trafficking of cocaine from Brazil to the Netherlands. His criminal activities spanned several countries, including Italy, Russia, Spain, and Turkey, where he often evaded law enforcement by faking his death on multiple occasions.
Ebben’s criminal career was marked by his association with the Sinaloa Cartel, specifically with the faction led by Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada. This connection placed him at the center of a violent power struggle within the cartel, particularly between “La Mayiza,” a group loyal to Zambada, and “Los Chapitos,” the faction led by the sons of Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán.
In 2020, Ebben was sentenced to seven years and four months in prison for his role in smuggling 400 kilograms of cocaine hidden in pineapple containers from Brazil to the Netherlands between 2014 and 2015. Despite this conviction, he managed to escape and continued his illicit activities, eventually making his way to Mexico.
On February 13, 2025, Marco Ebben was murdered in a residential area of Atizapán de Zaragoza, Estado de México. The incident occurred in the upscale neighborhood of Real Antigua, where Ebben was shot multiple times by two assailants as he was heading toward his vehicle. The attack, which took place in broad daylight, left the community in shock and prompted a significant police response.
Authorities found Ebben’s body with a fake DEA identification card and the keys to a vehicle. His death is believed to be linked to the ongoing conflict within the Sinaloa Cartel, as well as his involvement in the international drug trade. The murder has raised questions about the security and effectiveness of law enforcement efforts to capture high-profile criminals like Ebben.
Marco Ebben’s life and death highlight the complexities and dangers of the global narcotics trade. His ability to evade capture for so long, despite being one of Europol’s most wanted, underscores the challenges faced by international law enforcement agencies in combating organized crime. As investigations continue, Ebben’s murder serves as a stark reminder of the violent and often deadly world of drug trafficking.
Sources: MVS Noticias / El Universal
