Man Arrested with 1.2 Kilograms of Cocaine on A30

Authorities in Bad Bentheim have apprehended a 22-year-old individual from the Netherlands, suspected of drug trafficking, during a routine traffic stop on the A30 highway. The incident occurred on Friday evening, as officers from the Cross-Border Police Team conducted a standard check at the Schüttorf Nord exit.

Upon inspection, the suspect voluntarily surrendered a small bag containing two marijuana joints. However, further investigation revealed a more substantial issue: law enforcement discovered approximately 1.2 kilograms of cocaine hidden beneath the passenger seat of his vehicle.

The seizure prevented a significant amount of narcotics, valued at around EUR87,000, from entering the illegal drug market. Following the discovery, the authorities confiscated the drugs and transferred the suspect to the Zollfahndungsamt Essen (Customs Investigation Bureau) for additional inquiries.

The man faced a judge in Papenburg on Saturday morning, who subsequently ordered his detention pending investigation. The Zollfahndungsamt in Nordhorn is now overseeing the ongoing investigation into this drug trafficking case.

This incident highlights the continuous efforts of border control agencies in combating drug trafficking and ensuring public safety at national borders. The successful interception of such a large quantity of cocaine underscores the importance of vigilance and thorough inspections by law enforcement.