Drug bust incites demand for more security at Irish airports | Aviation International News

Drug bust incites demand for more security at Irish airports

A Cessna Citation VI owned by a prominent Irish businessman was caught up in a major drug bust on September 26, when Belgian police impounded the aircraft

By Charles Alcock • Managing Editor

November 7, 2006

A Cessna Citation VI owned by a prominent Irish businessman was caught up in a major drug bust on September 26, when Belgian police impounded the aircraft at Kortrijk-Wevelgem Airport and arrested its crew. More than 110 pounds of heroin (valued at $13 million) was seized as an undisclosed passenger tried to board the jet at Kortrijk, which is close to the border with France. The aircraft had just flown in from Weston Executive Airport, eight miles from the Irish capital, Dublin.

The case prompted immediate demands in the Irish parliament for tighter customs controls at small airports such as Weston. As with many other smaller airports around Europe, there is no permanent customs agency presence at Weston.
The Citation VI is owned by Irish billionaire Jim Mansfield, whose businesses include several hotels and golf courses. He also owns Weston Executive Airport.

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