Drug Trafficking Case Unfolds in Málaga After Stop in Casablanca
In a notable drug trafficking incident, a man was apprehended at Málaga airport after arriving from Lima, Peru, with a layover in Casablanca. On October 31, 2025, as he concluded his journey, airport security staff noticed something suspicious during the scanning of his checked luggage. The reinforcements within his suitcases appeared unusually thick and heavy, raising immediate concerns among the agents who were conducting routine luggage inspections.
Further scrutiny also revealed that his carry-on bag, a small blue trolley, exhibited the same unusual characteristics. When questioned about the origins of the luggage, the man claimed that a friend had gifted him the suitcases but was unable to recall the friend's name, which only heightened the suspicions of the authorities. To confirm their instincts, the agents brought in a drug detection dog, which indicated the presence of narcotics in both pieces of luggage.
Upon removing the protective bars from the suitcases, investigators uncovered a pink paste with a strong odor. However, initial drug tests on this substance returned a negative result. Undeterred, the officials proceeded to break open the reinforcements, leading to the discovery of a white powder, which was later confirmed as cocaine according to the judgment issued on May 12, 2026.
Significant Quantity of Cocaine Found
The total amount of cocaine seized was 711.90 grams, with 453.30 grams hidden in the checked suitcase and 258.60 grams in the carry-on. This substantial haul had an estimated street value of €42,820, and the court determined that this quantity was likely intended for trafficking purposes. The case echoed a similar incident from 2015, where another traveler arriving from São Paulo via Casablanca was involved in a cocaine smuggling operation, highlighting the ongoing issue of drug routes between Brazil and Morocco.
During the court proceedings, the accused maintained that he was unaware of the presence of drugs in his luggage and questioned the integrity of the evidence handling. However, these defenses were dismissed, and the Provincial Court of Málaga ultimately sentenced him to four years and three months in prison, in addition to imposing a fine of €50,000. On October 27, 2026, it was reported by Europa Press that the Superior Court of Justice of Andalusia upheld this sentence, confirming both the prison term and the confiscation of the narcotics.
As reported by bladi.net.
