National
Spanish Civil Guard get new plane to fight illegal immigration
By h.b.
Jul 1, 2008 - 7:29 AM

The Spanish Guardia Civil has presented its own plane which will be used for the first time in the fight against illegal immigration.

The CN-235 PM will be operated by the Air Service of the Guardia Civil and will have the joint objective of fighting drug traffickers, illegal immigration, contraband and marine pollution.

The craft is equipped with sophisticated detection systems such as infra-red cameras, video recording, 360 degree radars, satellite communications and high definition optics.

Interior Minister, Alfredo Pérez Rubalcaba, was at the Torrejón de Ardoz airbase in Madrid yesterday for the handing over of the plane. The plane, which has a range of 4,700kms, will be flown by members of the Spanish Air Force until members of the Guardia Civil can be trained up.