The National Drug Control Directorate (DNCD) seized 447 parcels of a substance believed to be cocaine during an inspection operation in the multimodal port of Caucedo.
During the night and early morning of this Monday, DNCD agents, with support from the port terminal’s military security and coordinated by the Public Prosecution Service, conducted an extensive operation arresting a man in a truck.
Later on, authorities found 14 bundles containing 447 packs of a substance which they assume is cocaine next to a container that was en route to the United States and whose final destination was Europe.
The bundles were hidden between the blocks and, according to the studies, the container that was already open was intended to contaminate (introduce the substance) to get the stash out of the country.
The DNCD said in a statement that five people have been detained so far, others are under investigation, and they hope to continue to provide more details as the investigation process progresses.
They also stated that during the investigation it was found that the truck used in the operation had a secret compartment (cove type) just behind the seats.
The seized packages will be sent to the National Institute of Forensic Sciences (Inacif), which will determine the exact type and weight of the substance in its analysis.
Authorities have strengthened intelligence and security work at airport and port terminals, borders and throughout the national territory, seizing 1,670 kilos of cocaine in April, arrested 13 people and seized multiple evidence.