Plane Suspected Of Carrying £3.9 Million In Cocaine Found On Fire On Highway In Mexico

A plane in Mexico suspected of carrying more than MX $100 million (£3.9 million) in cocaine was found on fire on a highway in Quintana Roo after it was intercepted by soldiers.

According to Mexico's Ministry of National Defense, the vehicle was transporting packages 'containing drugs with characteristics typical of cocaine'.

The 'illicit aircraft' was detected in Mexican airspace by the Comprehensive Air Surveillance System as it travelled from South America, before the Mexican Air Force was deployed, along with ground reaction forces.

The aircraft landed on the highway and soon after it was discovered 'already on fire', officials found a truck carrying 390 kg of a white substance thought to be cocaine, which they believe was transported from the aircraft.

A government statement said: "It was identified that the illicit aircraft landed to the Northwest of Polyuc, municipality of Felipe Carrillo Puerto, Q. Roo, and upon arrival of military personnel on the ground, it was observed that the plane was already on fire.

"Likewise, the heli-transported reaction force located southeast of José María Morelos, Q. Roo, a truck that contained 13 packages of 30 kilograms each, giving a total of approximately 390 kilograms of a white substance similar to cocaine, that it is presumed to have come from the illicit aircraft; the official weight and substance will be determined by the competent authorities.

Quintana Roo Police

"The insured drug has an estimated market price of MX $109,115,250.00 [...] thereby significantly affecting criminal organizations."

Alberto Capella, Chief Police of Quintana Roo, had warned people on Twitter to avoid the area, saying there was an aircraft that had caught fire.

He later tweeted: "The registration of the aircraft is apparently XB-RCM and could be related to illegal activities. Federal authorities attending to the investigation."

Quintana Roo Police

The government statement said the aircraft and suspected drugs were secured, and made available to the 'corresponding authorities'.

It added: "These activities are the result of the intense work carried out by the personnel of this Armed Institute, as well as their loyalty, willingness and commitment, always in the interest of fulfilling the assigned missions.

"The Ministry of National Defense reaffirms its commitment to safeguard and safeguard the well-being of citizens, working with determination to provide security for the people of Mexico."

There are no reports of any arrests being made.

Topics: Plane, World News, News, Mexico, Drugs

Jess Hardiman

Jess is a journalist at LADbible who graduated from Manchester University with a degree in Film Studies, English Language and Linguistics - indecisiveness at its finest, right there. She also works for FOODbible and its sister page Seitanists, which are both a safe haven for her to channel a love for homemade pasta, fennel and everything else in between. You can contact Jess at [email protected].

@Jess_Hardiman