Ireland was one of seven European nations to take part in an international Frontex operation that seized more than 12kg of illicit drugs at Madrid airport, including a plant-based substance resembling toxic mushrooms concealed inside shoe boxes.
In a press release published today, the EU border agency Frontex confirmed details of the week-long operation targeting synthetic drug trafficking “through the air” at Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport.
The multi-agency intervention, titled Operation Aerial Routes, was jointly led by the Spanish Guardia Civil and Frontex under the European Multidisciplinary Platform Against Criminal Threats (EMPACT).
During the action days, authorities intercepted 1,536 grams of ketamine, alongside 11kg of cannabis divided across five separate bags. Officers also uncovered 15 plastic containers hidden inside shoe boxes that held a plant-based substance resembling toxic mushrooms.
Frontex outlined the technical assistance and personnel dispatched to assist Spanish authorities with inspections across the airport.
“As co-leader of the operation, Frontex provided technical and operational support,” the agency said.
“The Agency deployed four Standing Corps officers and one operational officer, who supported the Spanish authorities on the spot with the inspection of passengers and luggage and with checks on cargo and parcels, using specialised technical equipment.”
Ireland participated in the operation alongside law enforcement bodies from Austria, Greece, Latvia, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain, with inter-agency coordination supported by Europol.
The exercise focused on enhancing joint airport detection capabilities, incorporating canine units, passenger profiling, mobile scanners, and the Automated Baggage Handling and Screening System, alongside manual checks on passenger luggage and postal consignments.
The border agency stated that the multi-country initiative had reinforced practical ties between European authorities tackling synthetic narcotics.
“The operation strengthened mutual trust between the participating authorities and established a solid basis for sustained cooperation in future work on synthetic drug trafficking,” Frontex said.
“Frontex continues to support Member States in the EMPACT framework, including operational work against drug trafficking through the air domain across the EU’s air borders.”
The work was carried out as part of EMPACT’s priority on synthetic drugs and new psychoactive substances. EMPACT is the EU platform that brings together law enforcement from member states, EU institutions, and international organisations to tackle organised crime that crosses borders.