Benfica falcon handler detained on suspicion of cocaine trafficking at Lisbon airport
João Paulo Santos, falcon handler for Benfica's eagle Vitória, was detained in an investigation into cocaine trafficking at Humberto Delgado Airport. Both detainees were remanded in custody.
Sport Lisboa e Benfica falcon handler arrested in drug operation in Lisbon
The Judicial Police detained João Paulo Santos, one of the falcon handlers responsible for training the eagle Vitória of Sport Lisboa e Benfica, in the context of an investigation into an alleged cocaine trafficking scheme at Humberto Delgado Airport in Lisbon. The detention was disclosed on Monday by Correio da Manhã and is also reported by observador.pt.
The investigation was conducted by the National Unit for Combating Drug Trafficking (UNCTE) of the PJ and had been ongoing for approximately four months. According to Correio da Manhã, the scheme consisted of removing suitcases loaded with cocaine from aircraft arriving from South America immediately after landing, circumventing the usual baggage collection and inspection circuit.
Santos worked as a falcon handler at the airport, whose role is to scare away small birds from the runways to prevent mechanical disruptions to aircraft.
On Friday, the 11th, the authorities proceeded to detain two men allegedly involved in the operation—one of whom was the Benfica falcon handler. After being brought before a court for initial judicial questioning, both were remanded in custody. The investigation continues.
Source: Google News PT — Crime (pt)