Colombian Man Arrested for Smuggling Cocaine Hidden in Wig

A man was arrested in Colombia for attempting to smuggle S$14K worth of cocaine hidden in his wig. Authorities found 19 capsules of cocaine after he was flagged by a body scanner. The individual has previous drug trafficking convictions and is now in custody facing multiple charges.

A 40-year-old man was apprehended at the Rafael Nunez International Airport in Colombia for attempting to smuggle cocaine to the Netherlands. The individual was stopped by the Colombian National Police as he prepared to board a flight to Amsterdam, with authorities noting he was wearing a wig. Upon inspection via a full body scanner, officers observed irregularities associated with his hairpiece.

Subsequent searches revealed that the wig concealed 19 capsules filled with a white powdery substance, which was later confirmed to be cocaine. Authorities estimated that the seized drugs were worth over EUR 10,000 (approximately S$14,000) in international drug markets, and the quantity equated to over 400 individual doses.

Following the discovery, the man was taken into custody by the Attorney General’s Office on charges related to trafficking, manufacturing, and possession of narcotics. It was also noted that he had two prior convictions for drug trafficking. This incident highlights Colombia’s ongoing struggle with drug-related crime, as the country remains a significant cocaine producer for both North America and Europe.

Despite intensified efforts to combat drug trafficking— e.g., the record seizure of 225 tonnes of cocaine last year—Colombian President Gustavo Petro has sparked controversy by describing cocaine as “no worse than whiskey”, suggesting that its illegality stems from its Latin American production.

The recent arrest of a man attempting to smuggle cocaine concealed in a wig underscores the persistent challenges Colombia faces in regulating drug trafficking. This case emphasizes the ongoing issue of narcotics trade in the region, as well as the legal ramifications faced by individuals involved in such activities. The incident also raises questions about societal perceptions of drug use and legality as articulated by local authorities.

Original Source: mustsharenews.com