Three foreign nationals detained with nearly 100 kilograms of cocaine at Santa Cruz airport
A Mexican couple and a Nigerian man were arrested at Viru Viru with various methods of drug concealment.
Three foreign nationals detained with nearly 100 kilograms of cocaine at Santa Cruz airport
Three foreign nationals were remanded to Palmasola prison after being caught at Viru Viru International Airport in Santa Cruz attempting to transport significant quantities of cocaine abroad.
The first case involves a man and woman from Mexico. The two intended to board a flight to São Paulo, Brazil. During routine inspection, officers from the Special Airport Control Group (GECA), assisted by a trained canine, detected a suspicious suitcase. Inside they found towels and clothing soaked in cocaine hydrochloride. Expert analysis determined that the total weight of the haul amounted to approximately 40 kilograms.
The second incident occurred when a passenger from Nigeria attempted to board an international flight. Officials discovered that he was transporting more than 55 kilograms of cocaine in liquid form, concealed inside wine containers. Immediate analysis confirmed the presence of cocaine hydrochloride, leading to his arrest on the spot.
Combined, the two seizures allowed authorities to remove close to 95 kilograms of drugs from circulation. The narcotics were concealed using two different techniques: impregnation of fabrics and dissolution in alcoholic beverages.
The FELCN reported that the three accused remain in custody while investigations continue. Authorities are seeking to determine whether they belong to criminal cells of global reach.
These interventions, carried out in May, were recognised on Tuesday by UNODC. The UN agency commended the airport terminal teams for their capacity to uncover drug trafficking attempts through targeted questioning and exhaustive baggage checks.
Detectives continue investigating the point of origin of the narcotics, the destination to which they were headed, and any possible connection of those arrested to international cartels.
Source: El Deber
Source: El Deber