Spanish authorities investigating use of drones to smuggle tobacco into La Línea

Spanish authorities are investigating the use of drones to smuggle tobacco into La Línea.

Last week, several devices were spotted near Gibraltar Airport, disrupting flights and forcing an RAF aircraft to divert to Portugal.

Citing official sources, the regional newspaper Europa Sur reports that Spanish agencies have detected an increase in drone-led smuggling operations along the border. Spanish Customs say they are now working with multiple bodies to counter the threat, noting that smugglers are using drones to avoid both the frontier and traditional maritime routes.

In London last week, the Government raised its concerns. Representing the Chief Minister at meetings of the Joint Ministerial Council, John Cortes discussed the drone incidents with the UK’s Minister of State for Defence, Lord Coaker, emphasising the airport’s growing vulnerability.

The Royal Gibraltar Police, together with the MOD and local aviation authorities, have been investigating illegal drone activity for several months.