A passenger arriving at Tenerife South Airport has been arrested after police discovered he was carrying 79 capsules of hashish concealed inside his body.
The suspect was intercepted after arriving on a flight from the Moroccan city of Agadir, where officers had reportedly identified indicators that led them to suspect he could be acting as a drug mule.
The operation was carried out by officers from the National Police following a joint investigation involving several specialist units, who haven’t released the identity or nationality of the suspect, as the investigation remains ongoing.
Medical Examination Confirms Suspicion
According to police, the man was subjected to further checks after displaying signs that raised concerns during border control procedures.
As part of the investigation, officers requested a medical examination to determine whether he was carrying narcotics internally.
The test returned a positive result, prompting authorities to transfer the suspect to a hospital for further assessment and monitoring.
79 Capsules Recovered
Under the supervision of medical staff, the man subsequently expelled a total of 79 capsules, commonly referred to as "drug pellets" or "swallowed packages", containing hashish.
Police said the recovered drugs weighed approximately 880 grams in total.
Authorities highlighted the significant health risks associated with this method of drug trafficking, as the rupture of even a single capsule inside the body can potentially cause a life-threatening overdose or other serious medical complications.
Arrest and Court Proceedings
Following the recovery of the drugs, the suspect was arrested on suspicion of an offence against public health, the Spanish legal classification used for drug trafficking offences.
He has since been placed at the disposal of the relevant judicial authority, which will determine the next steps in the legal process.
The arrest forms part of ongoing efforts by Spanish law enforcement agencies to combat drug trafficking through the Canary Islands, which continue to serve as an important transit point between Africa and Europe.
