A suspected drug dealer was arrested for reportedly selling Colombian cocaine hidden in scratch card packets.

The alleged trafficker was detained after transacting with a customer on Libreros Street in Madrid, on March 29.

Madrid Municipal Police said they followed two individuals who later split up. Officers detained one of them and found he was carrying cash and 20 colourful tourism-themed scratch cards in his back pocket.

Police opened the packets and found they contained small envelopes with thin layers of white powder tucked inside. The other scratch cards reportedly contained LSD, tusi or pink cocaine, and anxiety pills.

Authorities seized the contraband and 2,000 EUR from the man, who claimed he 'was offering money to buy his friend a dog'.

He was detained on charges of crimes against public health.

The drug trade in Colombia has been a major global issue, with powerful and established cartels like the Medellin and Cali cartels dominating cocaine production and trafficking.

Despite government crackdowns and international aid, drug-related violence, corruption, and illegal economies persist due to economic inequalities and high global demand for the hard drug.