A 40-year-old Colombian man was arrested after allegedly attempting to smuggle cocaine worth more than $10,500 under a wig while boarding a flight to Amsterdam.

The suspect, from Pereira, was stopped by Anti-Narcotics Police at Rafael Núñez International Airport in Cartagena on Thursday, 20 February, before he could board his flight. According to police, officers became suspicious and conducted a search, leading to the discovery of 19 capsules of cocaine hidden under his wig. The total weight of the narcotics was 220 grams.

Footage released by Colombian authorities showed officers cutting open the suspect’s wig to reveal the concealed drugs. A preliminary identification test confirmed the substance was cocaine.

Police Commander Gelver Yecid Peña Araque stated that the operation was part of a larger effort to combat drug trafficking networks. "We are dealing decisive blows against these criminal structures that not only fight over local drug trafficking but are also the generators of different violent acts and other types of crimes that disrupt peace and coexistence," he said.

Authorities emphasized that the seizure had a direct impact on criminal finances, preventing the sale of over 400 doses of cocaine in international markets.

According to police, the suspect has two prior court records related to drug trafficking. Following his arrest, he was placed at the disposal of the Attorney General’s Office, where he faces charges of trafficking, manufacturing, and carrying narcotic substances.

Officials urged the public to assist in identifying and reporting criminal activities, stressing the importance of community cooperation in dismantling drug smuggling operations.