Cocaine Hidden in Papaya Import from Dominican Republic Leads to Arrests in Spain

Cocaine Hidden in Papaya Import from Dominican Republic Leads to Arrests in Spain

MADRID, May 20 (UPI) — Spanish police announced on Wednesday that two people were arrested in Madrid, after nearly 70 pounds of cocaine from the Dominican Republic, was found hidden within imported boxes of papayas.

The cocaine was seized and the suspects were charged with crimes against the public health. Police also discovered about €600 in cash hidden inside the shipment of 120 boxes of papayas.

The arrests occurred in March. An investigation was launched more than a year ago when authorities suspected people from the Dominican Republic were bringing in shipments of drugs into Spain within cargo camouflaged as legal products.

Police discovered that drug-trafficking suspects established a front company, based in Barcelona, that imported vegetables. A suspicious shipment of packages was analyzed in February, but no drugs were found.

Investigators continued watching the company’s actions and in March, a new shipment of papayas made its way onto a truck, which then left the loading dock at the Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport and then drove meaninglessly and at suspiciously slow speeds before stopping at a shopping center.

The suspects realized the presence of police and attempted to flee, but were captured. The drugs were intended to reach Barcelona.