Cocaine stashed in Maradona pictures seized at İstanbul Airport

Photo: AA

Searching a passenger's luggage at İstanbul Airport, customs officers found 2.65 kilograms of cocaine that was stashed behind pictures and drawings of football legend Maradona.

Yesterday (December 23), security officers decided to pass the luggage of a 72-year-old citizen of Germany traveling from Colombia through an X-ray scanner after his movement raised suspicion.

Sniffer dogs further confirmed that he was carrying the illegal drug.

The suspect was referred to judicial authorities following his arrest.

This wasn't the first time in recent months that cocaine coming from Colombia to Turkey was seized.

In June, Colombia announced that it seized five tonnes of cocaine, which was worth about 265 million US dollars, in a ship destined for Turkey.

In October, the İstanbul police seized 228 kilos of cocaine mixed with fertilizers in a ship that came from Colombia. (VK)