A Martinair Cargo freighter was embroiled in a drugs bust at Buenos Aires Ezeiza Airport in Argentina, with 80 kg of cocaine found on board the aircraft.
The Boeing 747, which was headed to Amsterdam, was carrying polo horses – not thought to be linked to the bust – when customs officers found the smuggled narcotics.
The aircraft had reportedly travelled from São Paulo, Brazil, and was in transit at Ezeiza when customs officers found the drugs with help from their sniffer dogs.
The aircraft had been due to stop at Ecuador before flying to the Dutch capital, its final destination.
Argentinian publication Clarín reported that seven people were arrested including three Dutch crew members. One suspect escaped and is considered to be a fugitive.
In response to the incident, which happened on January 14, Martinair Cargo told Air Cargo News: “We can confirm Argentinean authorities are investigating a freighter operation conducted by Martinair Cargo. As long as the matter is under investigation, we cannot respond to questions.”
