Drug Courier Operation in Pilot Suit at Istanbul Airport

Ministry of Commerce Istanbul Airport Passenger Lounge Customs Directorate teams became suspicious of a passenger arriving at Istanbul Airport from Cancun, Mexico, by plane on September 13. The person named Orlando Artonio Viana Florez, who was learned to be a Colombian citizen, passed through the green area meaning 'I have no goods subject to customs' and crossed into Turkey.

Thereupon, customs teams stopped the passenger at the terminal. During the checks, 26 kilograms of cocaine were seized in the suitcase. Thereupon, customs teams expanded the operation and examined the camera records at the airport. As a result of the investigation, it was determined that 3 people came on the same plane and one person was wearing a pilot uniform.

The teams examined the footage to identify the person or persons who may be connected. As a result of the investigation, Andres Felipe Hıncapıe Arango and Ivan Enrique De Castro Hernandez, who were thought to have connections with the suspects, were identified. As a result of the investigation, it was determined that Ivan Enrique De Castro Hernandez was wearing a pilot uniform and both suspects left the airport.

As a result of the operation, it was determined that the approximate market value of 51 kilos 500 grams of cocaine-type drugs seized was 206 million liras. While two people were detained regarding the incident, another person was detained at the Kapıkule border gate while leaving the country by rail. As part of the operation, a large-scale investigation was launched into the person who was identified as a drug courier and left the airport wearing a pilot uniform. As a result of the investigations, it was determined that the suspect Ivan Enrique De Castro Hernandez, who was wearing a pilot uniform, fled to Bulgaria.