A German pensioner couple has been arrested after authorities allegedly discovered 263 kilograms of cocaine aboard their yacht, in a case that prosecutors are investigating as a major drug-trafficking operation.
The couple reportedly told authorities that they were not drug traffickers, claiming they had agreed to transport the cocaine in order to repay a financial debt to an Albanian man, German media reports.
Couple Faces Major Drug Trafficking Investigation
The yacht was stopped while the couple was sailing, and a search allegedly uncovered the huge quantity of cocaine.
Investigators have not accepted the couple's explanation at face value and are examining whether they were merely couriers or played a larger role in the trafficking network.
Authorities are now working to establish where the cocaine came from, where it was supposed to go and who organized the shipment.
Particular attention is being paid to the Albanian national whom the couple allegedly identified as the person to whom they owed money.
Case Goes Before Court in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern
The couple has appeared before a court in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, while German media outlet Bild reports that Rene M. could face a lengthy prison sentence.
The extraordinary case has attracted attention because of the couple's age and the unusual method allegedly used to transport such a large quantity of cocaine.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities attempt to uncover the full network behind the shipment.