BOGOTÁ, Colombia – Colombian authorities have arrested a 40-year-old man attempting to smuggle 220 grams of cocaine concealed beneath a meticulously attached toupee at Cartagena’s airport on Monday.
The suspect was preparing to board a flight to Amsterdam when security scanners detected the illicit cargo. The cocaine was packaged in small bags and strategically placed under what officials described as a “narco wig.”
Police estimate the drugs’ street value at approximately €10,000 in European markets.
A video released by authorities captured the moment an officer, wearing blue gloves, carefully removed the suspect’s wig with scissors, revealing around a dozen packets of cocaine. Further statements confirmed that the suspect had a prior criminal record, including two previous drug trafficking convictions.
“Organized crime groups are deceiving young people into believing they can easily bypass our security measures,” said Cartagena Police Commander Gen. Gelver Yesid Peña. “This case proves otherwise.”
Cocaine Production on the Rise
According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), cocaine production in Colombia has been increasing since 2013.
A 2023 UN report revealed that the cultivation of coca bushes grew by 10%, while potential cocaine production surged by 53% compared to the previous year.
Despite a 2016 peace agreement with FARC rebels aimed at reducing coca cultivation, smaller armed groups have filled the power vacuum, continuing to fuel Colombia’s lucrative cocaine trade.