A man posing as a commercial airline pilot was arrested at Colombia’s El Dorado International Airport after authorities allegedly found 22 pounds (10 kilograms) of cocaine strapped to his body.
The suspect arrived at the Bogotá airport on July 13 wearing what appeared to be an international airline pilot’s uniform. However, officers reportedly noticed that the outfit did not fit properly and that several accessories were inconsistent with those used by commercial pilots.
Local media identified the man as Spanish national Carlos Barbería Hernando, who was allegedly preparing to board a flight to Barcelona, Spain.
Body scanner reveals hidden cocaine
After being stopped, officers from Colombia’s Anti-Narcotics Police reportedly scanned the suspect, revealing multiple packages of cocaine concealed beneath his uniform.
Police footage shows officers removing taped packages from around his torso, while additional bundles were reportedly hidden inside his trouser legs.
Although Colombian authorities described him as a "fake pilot," Spanish records reportedly indicate that Barbería Hernando completed pilot training years ago. However, he was never licensed to fly commercially and had no known career in aviation.
Brigadier General William Castaño Ramos, head of Colombia’s Anti-Narcotics Police, said the seizure prevented an estimated 25,000 doses of cocaine from reaching international markets.
The suspect was arrested and charged with trafficking, manufacturing, or possessing narcotics.
Investigators are now working to determine where the cocaine originated, who was meant to receive it in Europe, and whether the suspect was linked to previous smuggling operations.
The case follows several recent incidents involving people impersonating airline crew. Earlier this year, a Canadian man was accused of posing as airline staff to obtain hundreds of free flights, while in 2025 a Florida man allegedly booked more than 120 free flights by pretending to be a flight attendant.