The Guardia Civil has arrested a 63-year-old woman at Alicante Airport in mainland Spain after discovering nearly 20,000 pills used as sexual performance enhancers in her luggage. She is now under investigation for alleged crimes related to public health and smuggling.
The incident occurred during a routine inspection of luggage on a flight from the Dominican Republic, after her suitcase drew attention when X-ray scanning revealed unusually dense content.
Upon opening the bag, inspectors found it filled with 19,944 blue, diamond-shaped pills marked “sildenafil citrate,” the active ingredient used to treat erectile dysfunction.
The Fiscal and Border Analysis and Investigation Unit (UDAIFF) took over the case. Initial findings indicated the woman lacked documentation to explain the possession or transport of such a large quantity of medication. Consequently, the pills were confiscated, and the woman was detained.
She was later brought before the Elche Magistrates’ Court, which released her under precautionary measures. Meanwhile, the seized pills have been sent to the Pharmaceutical Inspection Services of the Alicante Government for analysis to confirm whether they are counterfeit or altered drugs.
The Guardia Civil and the Tax Agency issued a reminder to travellers about the regulations for transporting medication. It is essential to carry a valid prescription or medical report and to adhere to permitted quantities, which should only cover the treatment duration or, at most, a three-month supply.
