Vacation
Author of the article:
Associated Press
Manuel Rueda
Published Feb 25, 2025 • 1 minute read
BOGOTA, Colombia — Colombian police apprehended a 40-year-old man attempting to smuggle several bags of cocaine concealed beneath a meticulously attached toupee.
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Police said the suspect was detained at Cartagena’s airport on Monday as he prepared to board a flight to Amsterdam. A scanner revealed the hidden cargo: 220 g of cocaine packaged in small bags, strategically placed under what authorities described as a “narco wig.”
Police estimate the street value of the drugs at approximately 10,000 euros in European markets.
A police video released on Monday captured the moment an officer, wearing blue gloves, carefully removed the suspect’s wig with scissors, revealing approximately a dozen packets of cocaine. Further police statements confirmed the suspect’s prior criminal record, which included two previous drug trafficking convictions.
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“Organized crime groups are exploiting young people, falsely suggesting they can easily bypass our security measures,” said Cartagena Police Cmdr.-Gen. Gelver Yesid Pena. “However, this case demonstrates that is not true.”
Cocaine production in Colombia has been rising since 2013, according to the United Nations Office on Drug and Crime.
A report published in October by the international organization found that the cultivation of coca bushes increased by 10% in Colombia in 2023, while potential cocaine production increased 53% from the previous year.
While a 2016 peace agreement with the FARC rebels aimed to curb coca cultivation in rural areas, smaller armed groups have filled the power vacuum, actively promoting the lucrative cocaine trade.
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