Lisbon Airport police seize 20kg of drugs hidden in kitchenware

Police at Lisbon’s Humberto Delgado Airport seized more than 20 kilograms of synthetic drugs hidden inside household items. The seizure occurred on August 30 following a targeted inspection of a passenger arriving from Rio de Janeiro.

Officers from the National Unit for Foreigners and Borders (UNEF) flagged the 61-year-old foreign national after detecting inconsistencies in his statements regarding his intended stay in the Schengen Area. Upon inspecting his luggage, authorities found various kitchen utensils, including pots, lids, trays, and wooden spoons. X-ray scans revealed organic material inside the objects, which subsequent testing confirmed to be synthetic drugs weighing a total of 20.55 kilograms.

The individual has been detained and remains in police custody pending appearance before judicial authorities. The case has been referred to the Public Ministry.