Benfica falconer arrested as part of investigation into alleged cocaine trafficking ring

BENFICA’S falconer has reportedly been arrested amid an investigation into an alleged cocaine trafficking ring. Joao Paulo Santos, 46, who trains the Portuguese club’s falcon Vitoria, was detained by police over the claims, according to Correio da Manha, via Observador. Benfica’s falconer has reportedly been arrested amid a probe into a cocaine trafficking ring Credit: Reuters Joao Paulo Santos is one of the handlers responsible for flying eagle Vitoria on matchdays Credit: AFP The allegations claim the scheme was operated through Humberto Delgado Airport in Lisbon. It involved removing suitcases filled with cocaine from flights arriving in Lisbon from South America and “bypassing” baggage security. Sign up for the Football newsletter Thank you! The report alleges Santos worked at the airport and was responsible for leading birds away from the runway. It’s claimed the National United for Combating Drug Trafficking (UNCTE) have been investigating the scheme for four months. The probe saw two men arrested last week, with one of them being Santos. The pair are said to have appeared in court already for their first hearing and kept on remand, the report states. SIC Noticias claimed that Portuguese police were working to determine the size of the alleged cocaine trafficking network. Santos is one of the handlers responsible for flying out Benfica‘s mascot eagle Vitoria before matchday at the Estadio da Luz. Most read in Sport The falconer was reportedly one of two men arrested in connection with the alleged scheme Credit: AFP Vitoria the eagle has been flying across Benfica’s stadium since it opened in 2003 Credit: Getty The eagle is crucial part of Benfica’s symbol and club crest dating back to its inception in 1904. The club has been flying a bald eagle named Vitoria before games since they moved into their stadium in 2003. The flight usually ends with Vitoria landing on a large club crest on the pitch. On some occasions, the eagles have flown out of the stadium and gone missing temporarily before being recovered by the falconers. Benfica play in the Portuguese Primeira Liga and have won the division a record 38 times. They have also lifted the Champions League twice – back-to-back in 1961 and 1962. Comment now