Drug smuggler went viral after dressing as pilot to move cocaine across Atlantic

A Spanish man went viral after Colombian police stopped him while he attempted to smuggle cocaine hidden under a pilot-style disguise across the Atlantic. Carlos Barbería Hernando was screened at El Dorado International Airport in Bogotá on July 9 before boarding a flight to Barcelona when agents noticed inconsistencies with his uniform. A secondary inspection, captured in video by the Colombian National Police, showed him removing a blazer and shirt and revealing taped packages concealed around his abdomen and legs. Officials said a total of 10 cocaine-filled packages totaling 10 kilos, or about 22 pounds, were recovered. General William Castaño Ramos, director of the National Police Narcotics division, said the drugs had an estimated New York street value of $250,000 to $300,000. Police said the operation “Esmeralda Plus” targets airport controls to prevent international trafficking through air terminals.