A light aircraft that had to land in a field between Valdepeñas and Moral de Calatrava last night because of technical problems, was found to be carrying over a thousand kilos of hashish.

EFE news sources at the site of the aircraft's forced landing on land belonging to Las Agrupadas finca, have confirmed that the aircraft is registered in Hungary.

The aircraft is painted red, white and green, colours that coincide with the flags of both Hungary and Mexico, the latter being the home country of the two pilots who were arrested on the scence by local police.

The aircraft had been followed from Almeria by a helicopter from the Customs Surveillance Service, after being alerted about a shipment of drugs coming in from Morocco.

The pilots remain in the custody of police at Valdepeñas, whilst the operation, described as 'monumental' by Guardia Civil sources, continues to be investigated by the police and customs officials.