A plot to fly a French drug trafficker out of a Malaga prison in a helicopter has been foiled by Spanish police.
The aircraft was intended to land on open ground inside Alhaurin de la Torre prison, collect the inmate and fly him to freedom.
But there was a crucial flaw in the plan as the prisoner had already been moved to another jail without his associates knowing.
According to El Español, which cited police and prison sources, the operation was led by the Policia Nacional with support from the Guardia Civil.
It came after investigators received a tip off outlining the proposed escape, leading them to contact the prison director to discuss the threat.
The criminal organisation reportedly intended to send a helicopter from Morocco, where it has established partners and access to an air base.
Its target was a French national described by the sources as a senior drug trafficker who had been held at the Malaga jail.
The preparations reportedly involved reaching module nine of the prison, although the precise arrangements for getting the inmate to the aircraft have not been disclosed.
Spain’s Interior Ministry had already ordered his transfer to another prison. However, those organising the escape remained unaware of the move and continued their preparations.
That uncertainty prompted police to maintain surveillance for two days, despite the intended passenger no longer being inside.
The deployment was designed to detect any approaching helicopter and prevent it from landing within the prison grounds.
Four Guardia Civil vehicles carrying armed officers reportedly remained in the area until Saturday.
The force supported the operation because it is responsible for security around the prison’s perimeter.
Ultimately, the planned escape did not take place.
The episode has added to concerns about organised crime inside Spanish prisons, including the ability of jailed gang leaders to maintain contact with associates outside.
Prison officers’ union Tu Abandono Me Puede Matar has warned that criminal networks pose a growing challenge, both through escape attempts and the continuation of illegal activities behind bars.
Read more Andalucia news at the Spanish Eye.
