Andorran Man Jailed in Lisbon with 10kg Cocaine from Colombia

A 46-year-old Andorran resident has been remanded in provisional custody in a Lisbon prison after authorities arrested him on Wednesday at Portugal's main international airport, Humberto Delgado. Officers discovered more than 10 kilograms of cocaine hidden in his luggage as he transited through the facility en route to Spain from Colombia.

Portuguese police from the Public Security Police (PSP), which handles airport security, flagged the flight from the South American cocaine-producing nation during routine enhanced checks. The man, travelling alone, matched a common profile for drug couriers, sources said. A search quickly uncovered the packages, leading to his immediate detention on charges of large-scale drug trafficking.

Investigators suspect the suspect acted as a "mule" for an organised network distributing cocaine across Europe, though they are still working to establish any direct links to criminal groups operating in Portugal. No details have emerged on how the drugs were concealed or whether the man has provided any explanation or offered cooperation, which could potentially serve as a mitigating factor.

The arrest follows a textbook pattern at Lisbon's airport, a key entry point for Colombian cocaine into Europe, where such seizures are frequent. The suspect reportedly showed visible signs of distress upon discovery.

In Andorra, the man has no major prior convictions but has a history of short stints in prison linked to alcohol and drug issues, according to sources. He is believed to have needed money quickly, though no specific motive has been confirmed.

Portuguese law imposes severe penalties for drug trafficking, especially in large quantities, treating it separately from potential organised crime involvement—both carrying heavy sentences. The case remains in early stages, with ongoing inquiries.