Badajoz, Spain – A drug trafficking operation led to the interception of over 200 kilograms of cocaine in Badajoz, near the Portuguese border, this past weekend. The operation took place on the night of Friday, November 22, when police officers set up a checkpoint on the A5 motorway.
Around 11:00 PM, officers directed a trailer truck pulling a refrigerated trailer to stop for inspection. Upon checking the driver’s documents, they discovered that his driving license was invalid and that he had a previous history of driving under the influence of drugs.
The driver appeared nervous during the interaction and, when questioned about carrying any substances, initially denied having drugs on board. He admitted to being a sporadic drug user, but insisted that he was not under the influence at the time of the stop.
Canine Assistance and Drug Discovery
The search continued with the help of the National Police’s Canine Guide Unit. The dog marked several areas inside the truck’s cabin, suggesting the presence of drugs. The driver claimed these might be remnants of substances consumed in the past. However, the dog’s persistent behavior around the trailer itself led officers to further investigate.
After transporting the vehicle to the Caya-Elvas Joint Police Station for a more thorough search, authorities discovered 240 packages of cocaine, each weighing about one kilogram. The drugs were hidden in the trailer’s pallet, along with a significant sum of 80,900 euros found in a backpack.
Arrest and Legal Proceedings
The 40-year-old driver, who has a criminal record, was arrested and later placed in police custody. He has been charged with drug trafficking and is currently awaiting further legal proceedings following his detention.
This operation highlights the ongoing efforts by Spanish authorities to combat drug trafficking in the region, particularly near major transport routes close to the Portuguese border.
