Latest news with #GelverYesidPeña
The Independent
26-02-2025
- The Independent
Colombian police catch a man smuggling packets of cocaine under toupee
Colombian police apprehended a 40-year-old man attempting to smuggle several bags of cocaine concealed beneath a meticulously attached toupee. 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 grams 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. 'Organized crime groups are exploiting young people, falsely suggesting they can easily bypass our security measures,' said Cartagena Police Commander Gen. Gelver Yesid Peña. '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 percent 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. ____
Yahoo
26-02-2025
- Yahoo
WATCH: Officers cut open man's ‘narco wig' at Colombian airport to reveal cocaine
(NEXSTAR) – He may have been using his head, but a 40-year-old passenger wasn't able to get past Colombian airport security with a cocaine-stuffed 'narco wig,' police said Monday. Cartagena airport officers made the discovery after subjecting the man to a body scan, which revealed a layer of suspicious material above his skull. In video released Monday, an officer wearing blue gloves can be seen carefully cutting into the suspect's wig before pulling it back to reveal multiple walnut-sized bags of white powder. Police say the baggies, which were bound for Amsterdam, contained more than 400 doses of cocaine and had a street value of roughly $10,500. Millions of antivirus software customers to receive payments 'Young people are being used by these bands of criminals tied to transnational gangs,' said Cartagena Police Commander Gen. Gelver Yesid Peña in a warning to the public, and to families of young people specifically. 'They trick them, saying that it's easy to avoid security measures of the national police, but that's not the case.' Colombia is the world's greatest producer of cocaine and was the source of nearly 90% of the cocaine seized and tested in U.S. labs in 2019, according to the U.S. Department of State. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
25-02-2025
- Yahoo
Colombian police catch a man smuggling packets of cocaine under toupee
BOGOTA, Colombia (AP) — Colombian police apprehended a 40-year-old man attempting to smuggle several bags of cocaine concealed beneath a meticulously attached toupee. 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 grams of cocaine packaged in small bags, strategically placed under the 'narco wig.' Police estimate the street value of the drugs at approximately 10,000 euros in European markets. See for yourself — The Yodel is the go-to source for daily news, entertainment and feel-good stories. By signing up, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy. 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. 'Organized crime groups are exploiting young people, falsely suggesting they can easily bypass our security measures,' said Cartagena Police Commander Gen. Gelver Yesid Peña. '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 percent 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. ____ Follow AP's coverage of Latin America and the Caribbean at
Associated Press
25-02-2025
- Associated Press
Colombian police catch a man smuggling packets of cocaine under toupee
BOGOTA, Colombia (AP) — Colombian police apprehended a 40-year-old man attempting to smuggle several bags of cocaine concealed beneath a meticulously attached toupee. 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 grams of cocaine packaged in small bags, strategically placed under the '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. 'Organized crime groups are exploiting young people, falsely suggesting they can easily bypass our security measures,' said Cartagena Police Commander Gen. Gelver Yesid Peña. '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 percent 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. ____
