Spanish authorities have arrested three men accused of mailing dried opium poppy capsules to destinations across Spain and the United States, officials announced Saturday. The suspects were taken into custody in January and remain jailed on charges related to drug trafficking and crimes against public health.

According to Spain’s Civil Guard, the investigation began in September after authorities intercepted four suspicious postal packages at Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport. The shipments contained nearly 15.4 pounds of plant material that laboratory analysis later identified as Papaver somniferum, commonly known as the opium poppy — a plant used in the production of opium and its derivatives.

Investigators noticed a pattern in the parcels. The same surname appeared repeatedly as both sender and recipient, and the packages originated from different addresses within the municipality of Los Alcázares in the Murcia region. The similarities raised red flags and prompted a broader inquiry into potential trafficking activity.

The probe ultimately led authorities to three men, all born in India and reportedly members of the same extended family. During the operation, officers seized approximately 1,161 pounds of opium poppy capsules, significantly expanding the scope of the case beyond the initial intercepted packages.

Police database checks revealed that the suspects had previously been linked to the theft of opium poppies from licensed plantations in the province of Albacete. In Spain, the cultivation of opium poppy is permitted under strict regulation for pharmaceutical purposes, primarily for the production of pain medications. However, unauthorized harvesting or diversion of the crop for illicit use is considered a serious criminal offense.

Guardia Civil spokesperson Álvaro Gallardo emphasized the risks associated with illegal extraction and trafficking of opium poppy. While the plant can be lawfully grown for medical use, Gallardo noted that uncontrolled handling and processing of the narcotic substance poses public health dangers and fuels illegal drug markets.

The three men were brought before a judge in Elche, who ordered them to remain in custody pending further legal proceedings. Authorities have not ruled out additional arrests as the investigation continues, particularly regarding possible international connections tied to shipments sent to the United States.

The case underscores ongoing efforts by Spanish law enforcement to prevent the diversion of legally cultivated crops into the illegal drug trade. Officials say monitoring postal routes and tracking suspicious shipment patterns remain key tools in combating narcotics trafficking networks operating across borders.