A passenger arriving from Mexico City was arrested at Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport on 16 August after National Police found 31.093kg of cocaine concealed in his two suitcases.
The seizure prevented the drugs from leaving the airport through this suspected trafficking route. For passengers and airport workers, the case explains why officers may carry out additional luggage checks on selected international arrivals.
Search at Customs finds 26 cocaine packages
The traveller attracted officers' attention during a routine surveillance check because he gave inconsistent answers and appeared nervous, according to reporting by Barna Diario.
National Police took him to the Tax Agency Customs facilities for a more detailed search. Officers found 26 packages of a compact white substance inside the two suitcases; preliminary drug tests identified it as cocaine.
- Date of arrest: 16 August
- Arrival airport: Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport
- Flight origin: Mexico City
- Packages found: 26
- Total weight seized: 31.093kg
“Hot flights” are connections that officers consider susceptible to being used to transport drugs, prompting closer checks when a control raises suspicions.
Passenger remanded in provisional custody
Police arrested the man on suspicion of an offence against public health, the legal classification used in Spain for this alleged drugs crime. A judicial authority later ordered his provisional imprisonment after he gave a statement.
The investigation is continuing into the alleged transfer of the cocaine, including its origin, intended destination and the detainee's suspected role. The case forms part of National Police surveillance and security controls intended to detect drug trafficking at Barcelona-El Prat Airport.
Reported by barnadiario.com, Barna Diario, Pere Roca Soler, ground.news, lavanguardia.com, Pepe Ribas Publicado: 24 de agosto de 2026, 10:23, Sergi Tor, ACN, beteve.cat, Albert Llimós, Cesc Maideu, THE OBJECTIVE, Lucía Pérez, radio onda cero.
