Tenerife, Spain – Authorities at Tenerife Norte-Ciudad de La Laguna airport intercepted a passenger carrying 20,477 doses of various medications in his checked luggage. The 77-year-old traveler, a resident of San Cristóbal de La Laguna, was preparing to fly to Madrid before connecting to a flight bound for a non-EU country.

The Guardia Civil, working with customs officials from the Agencia Tributaria, discovered the drugs spread across five checked bags using radioscopic inspection. The passenger lacked any health or customs documentation to justify possession, and the quantity far exceeded the permitted limit for travelers.

Officials emphasized that travelers transporting medications within and outside the EU should keep them in their original packaging, clearly labeled, and accompanied by prescriptions or medical certificates. Passengers are also advised to check with the embassy or consulate of their destination country regarding entry requirements for medications.

The Guardia Civil warned that irresponsible possession, sale, or transport of medications without proper sanitary control can lead to serious health risks and may constitute a breach of regulations, resulting in administrative or criminal penalties.

All confiscated medications have been turned over to the airport’s Customs Administrator for further handling.

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