Colombian authorities have arrested a Spanish man who allegedly attempted to smuggle 22 pounds of cocaine by disguising himself as a pilot. Carlos Barbería Hernando was apprehended at El Dorado International Airport in Bogotá on July 9 as he was preparing to board a flight to Barcelona.
Airport security agents became suspicious when Barbería Hernando's uniform did not match the standard attire of any international airline pilots. This led to a secondary inspection, captured on video by the Colombian National Police. The footage shows Barbería Hernando removing his blazer and shirt, revealing packages of cocaine taped to his abdomen and legs. In total, 10 packages weighing 10 kilograms (approximately 22 pounds) were discovered.
General William Castaño Ramos, director of the National Police Narcotics division, stated that the seized drugs have an estimated street value of $250,000 to $300,000 in New York. The police operation, dubbed "Esmeralda Plus," aims to combat drug trafficking at Colombian airports.
Notes indicate that Barbería Hernando had previously taken flight lessons in Spain, but Spanish government records did not confirm he held a pilot's license. Colombian authorities stated they will continue to strengthen anti-narcotics controls to prevent the use of airports for international drug trafficking.