Judicial Police detain man with 12 kilograms of cocaine at Lisbon airport
The Judicial Police detained a suspect at Humberto Delgado airport on 21 August with 12 kg of cocaine hidden in a suitcase. The man was remanded in custody.
Detained at Lisbon airport with 12 kilograms of cocaine hidden in suitcase
The Judicial Police detained a man on 21 August at Humberto Delgado airport in Lisbon who attempted to enter Portugal transporting 12 kilograms of cocaine concealed inside a suitcase, according to Observador based on a Judicial Police statement released on Wednesday.
The suspect was detained during an inspection and control operation at the airport and was subsequently brought before a judge, being remanded in custody.
The Judicial Police indicated that "evidence was gathered suggesting that the detainee may have acted as a drug transporter, commonly known as a 'mule', on behalf of third parties and integrated into a criminal organisation dedicated to drug trafficking".
According to the same source, criminal organisations frequently resort to this method to reduce the risk of exposure for elements with greater responsibility in the hierarchy. People recruited as transporters are "approached through promises of financial compensation, employment opportunities or other benefits" and may, initially, be unaware of "the true nature of the operation in which they are involved". Nevertheless, those who transport the drugs face a high level of risk, both to their freedom and to their physical integrity.
In this context, the Judicial Police issued a public alert: "The fact that a person accepts transporting baggage at the request of another does not exempt them from responsibility should narcotics or other illicit goods be found within it."
Google News PT — Crime (pt) reported the news based on information released by the Judicial Police.
Source: Google News PT — Crime (pt)