Frenchman confesses role in cocaine-laden package smuggling from Argentina

A French national, Ahmed Adda Belkocir, has confessed his role in a scheme involving the shipment of cocaine-laden packages from Argentina to Paris. While initially refusing to testify before an economic crimes judge, Belkocir submitted a written statement admitting his participation and accepting full responsibility for his decisions.

Belkocir, 46, is currently detained and has been formally charged with preventive detention for the attempted smuggling of cocaine. His 36-year-old compatriot, Isaac Ben Daoude, faces similar charges. The investigation, dubbed "Operation Oh là là," began on April 24 when customs and airport security officials discovered a suspicious shipment at Ezeiza International Airport's courier sector.

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I acknowledge my participation in the shipments of packages that are the subject of this investigation and I fully assume responsibility for the decisions I made. I will not deny what is evident.

Judge Marcelo Aguinsky detailed the evidence, stating that the quantity of cocaine, over 11 kilograms, valued at more than $165,000 and marked with a scorpion symbol, precludes any claim of ignorance. The sophisticated concealment methods, including hiding drugs within paste-like materials and air compressor components, alongside the use of fictitious sender and recipient details and potentially false documentation, clearly indicate the defendants' intent to circumvent customs controls.

Authorities reported that the cocaine was vacuum-sealed within plastic boxes. The sophisticated packaging and use of tracking devices further underscore the organized nature of the criminal operation. Both French citizens were extradited from Uruguay to face charges in Argentina.

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The evidence gathered allows us to affirm with the degree of probability required for this stage that the defendants acted with full knowledge of the illicit nature of the substance transported and with the intention to achieve its export abroad.