Bangladesh, Sept. 27 -- Russia has announced its largest-ever cocaine seizure, an operation that not only underscores the growing presence of drug trafficking in the country but also highlights how global criminal networks are adapting to tighter controls in Western Europe by turning eastward. The 1,515 kilograms of cocaine-hidden in banana shipments from Ecuador-reflects a troubling new trend: Russia is becoming a key destination and transit hub in the international cocaine trade.

On September 19, the Federal Security Service (FSB) revealed the seizure of 1,500 bricks of cocaine in the Port of Saint Petersburg, cleverly concealed within boxes of bananas shipped from Ecuador. Officials released footage showing the bricks stacked in a war...