Drug parcels from the US intercepted in Uruguay; two convicted on trafficking charges
Authorities said the operations are part of ongoing enforcement actions at strategic entry points across the country to combat drug trafficking
Uruguay’s National Customs Directorate reported the arrest and conviction of two people on drug trafficking charges following a series of operations at Carrasco International Airport, on the outskirts of Montevideo, involving the interception of international parcels and passenger screening.
The operations, coordinated with the Port and Airport Surveillance Unit and the Directorate General for the Suppression of Illicit Drug Trafficking under the supervision of the Ciudad de la Costa Second District Prosecutor’s Office, led to the seizure of hashish-type marijuana, synthetic drugs, and cocaine across three separate procedures during March.
Early this month, customs officials intercepted a parcel from the United States bound for Montevideo containing eight packets with nearly two kilograms of plant matter and an additional 976-gram package of a yellowish substance, identified through field tests as hashish-type marijuana and synthetic drugs. The investigation led to the arrest of a 26-year-old Brazilian national, convicted of aggravated criminal conspiracy, attempted drug importation, and aggravated contempt of court, and sentenced to three years in prison.
On March 5, a second parcel also from the United States was found to contain 935 grams of hashish-type marijuana concealed among other items. On March 23, during routine checks, a Greek national arriving from Ecuador was detained while carrying cocaine hidden in liquid containers. She was convicted of attempted drug importation and sentenced to three years and four months in prison.
Authorities said the operations are part of ongoing enforcement actions at strategic entry points across the country to combat drug trafficking.
