PJ detains man with 12 kg of cocaine at Lisbon airport
The Judicial Police detained a man on 21 August at Humberto Delgado airport who was transporting 12 kilograms of cocaine concealed in a suitcase. The suspect was remanded in custody.
Detention at Lisbon airport: suspect transported 12 kilograms of cocaine in suitcase
The Judicial Police detained a man on 21 August at Humberto Delgado airport in Lisbon who attempted to enter Portugal with 12 kilograms of cocaine hidden in a suitcase, according to Correio da Manhã based on a Judicial Police statement released on Wednesday.
The suspect was brought before a judge and remanded in custody. The detention occurred in the context of a surveillance and control operation at the airport, during which authorities identified the drugs concealed inside the baggage.
The Judicial Police concluded, based on evidence gathered, that the detainee had acted as a drug courier — a so-called "mule" — on behalf of third parties, as part of a criminal organisation engaged in drug trafficking. "Evidence was gathered that the detainee may have acted as a drug courier, commonly referred to as a 'mule', on behalf of third parties and as part of a criminal organisation engaged in drug trafficking," the police statement reads.
Method used by criminal organisations
The use of couriers is a recurring practice in international trafficking networks. According to the Judicial Police, the people recruited are often "approached with promises of financial compensation, job opportunities or other benefits" and may, in an initial phase, be unaware of "the true nature of the operation in which they are involved".
This scheme allows criminal organisations to reduce the exposure of their higher-ranking members. However, the Judicial Police emphasise that those who transport drugs between countries face a high risk — both to their freedom and to their physical safety.
Judicial Police warns of the risks of transporting others' baggage
The Judicial Police took the opportunity from this case to issue a public warning. "The fact that a person agrees to transport baggage at another's request does not exempt them from responsibility if narcotics or other illicit goods are found inside," the Judicial Police warned in a statement.
The authority thus reiterates that alleged ignorance of the contents of the baggage does not constitute, in itself, a basis for exemption from criminal liability.
Source: Correio da Manhã