- Authorities arrested a 40-year-old Colombian man at Cartagena’s Rafael Núñez International Airport for attempting to smuggle cocaine hidden under a wig. They identified the suspect through passenger profiling before he boarded a flight to Amsterdam.
- The suspect had 19 capsules of cocaine weighing 220 grams, estimated to be worth $10,500, hidden beneath a toupee.
- The arrest is part of broader efforts by Colombian authorities to disrupt drug trafficking operations, with over 450 people arrested and 115 kilograms of narcotics seized this year.
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Authorities arrested a 40-year-old Colombian man at Cartagena’s Rafael Núñez International Airport for attempting to smuggle cocaine hidden under a wig. They said the suspect, who was preparing to board a flight to Amsterdam, was identified through passenger profiling by the National Police’s Anti-Narcotics unit.
How did the man conceal the cocaine?
The man had 19 capsules of cocaine, weighing approximately 220 grams, hidden beneath a carefully attached toupee.
Officers conducting security checks became suspicious and detained him for further inspection.
A scanner and subsequent chemical tests confirmed the substance as cocaine.
What is the estimated value of the drugs?
Authorities estimated the street value of the seized cocaine at approximately $10,500.
According to police, the drug bust prevented the distribution of over 400 doses of cocaine in the international market.
Does the suspect have a criminal history?
Officials confirmed the suspect has two prior drug trafficking convictions.
Following his arrest, police placed him under the custody of the Attorney General’s Office. There, prosecutors charged him with drug trafficking, manufacturing and possession of narcotics.
How are Colombian authorities responding to drug smuggling?
Cartagena Metropolitan Police commander, Brig. Gen. Gelver Yecid Peña Araque, said the arrest is part of broader efforts to disrupt drug trafficking operations.
He reported that the agency arrested more than 450 people for drug-related crimes this year. Agents have seized over 115 kilograms of narcotics, including marijuana and cocaine.
¡‘Narcopeluca’ en Cartagena!
— Policía de Colombia (@PoliciaColombia) February 24, 2025
Detalles: https://t.co/h47nOGiUY4 pic.twitter.com/2CbJHZPnG6
Peña Araque emphasized the role of community cooperation in identifying and stopping drug traffickers. He urged the public to provide tips through Colombia’s emergency hotline or police email to aid ongoing investigations.
The Colombian National Police continue to intensify airport security measures to combat drug smuggling, warning that organized crime groups are increasingly using deceptive tactics to transport illegal substances.
