Mexico City, Aug 24 (IANS/EFE): An Aeromexico co-pilot was arrested at the Madrid-Barajas International Airport on charges that he smuggled 42 kg of cocaine into Spain on a flight from Mexico City, officials said Tuesday.

Ruben Garcia Garcia was arrested last week by Spanish authorities for allegedly trying to smuggle the cocaine into the country, the Mexican Embassy in Spain said in a statement.

The Spanish Interior Ministry, Police General Administration and Civil Guard notified the embassy of the Aeromexico co-pilot's arrest.

Garcia arrived in Madrid Aug 18 aboard Aeromexico's flight AMX-001 from Mexico City.

The Aeromexico employee appeared before a judge and is being held at the Soto del Real prison.

"Mexican consular authorities met with the detained man and were able to verify his identity, state of health and to confirm that he has an attorney for his defense," the embassy said.

The Mexican Embassy and its consular section "will monitor the case closely to ensure that the national gets due process with regard to the charges he faces", the statement said.

Three Aeromexico pursers travelling as tourists were arrested in December 2010 at the Barajas airport for possession of 140 kg of cocaine.