French millionaire's plane carrying 700 kg of cocaine

Dominican Republic police have discovered a huge amount of cocaine hidden in a plane used by French millionaire Alain Afflelou.

According to the Telegraph, the 12-seat Transhelicopter Services plane is often used by Mr. Afflelou and his colleagues for business trips. When his company is not using it, the plane is rented out.

Amount of drugs seized on the plane - Photo: Telegraph

Dominican Republic police recently discovered 26 suitcases containing up to 700kg of cocaine hidden on a plane as it prepared to leave Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic for Yvelines airport near Paris. The cocaine is estimated to be worth up to £40m.

Mr Afflelou’s spokesman said he was “horrified” by the news. “We do not know who chartered the plane. Our lawyers will look into it,” he said.

Dominican Republic police say they have arrested 35 people in a drug bust, including soldiers, police and customs officers. They are suspected of being members of a major drug gang. Four French nationals have also been arrested.

A Dominican government official said the huge haul of cocaine was smuggled through the airport's VIP area and that the manager of the area was one of the accomplices. A spokesman for Mr Afflelou said he would send a letter to the company that leased the plane to explain the incident.

According to the Guardian, Mr Afflelou, 64, is one of France's most famous businessmen. His total assets are estimated to be worth £155 million. In December 2012, he caused a huge controversy when he announced that he would leave France for the UK to avoid high income tax in his home country.

According to Tuoi Tre - DT