A Colombian man’s attempt to smuggle drugs under a wig was foiled by airport security, landing him in the custody of authorities.
The 40-year-old suspect was caught at Cartagena’s Rafael Núñez International Airport while trying to board a flight to Amsterdam. According to Colombia’s national police, officers discovered 19 capsules of cocaine—totaling over 220 grams—hidden beneath a black cap under his wig. The drugs have an estimated street value of more than 10,000 euros (approximately $10,470).
¡‘Narcopeluca’ en Cartagena!
Detalles: https://t.co/h47nOGiUY4 pic.twitter.com/2CbJHZPnG6
— Policía de Colombia (@PoliciaColombia) February 24, 2025
A video released by the police shows officers cutting through the wig to reveal the cleverly concealed stash. The suspect, who reportedly has a history of drug trafficking, was handed over to the Attorney General’s office to face charges for trafficking, manufacturing, and possession of narcotics.
Cartagena’s police commander, Gelver Yecid Peña Araque, stated that in 2024 alone, 45 people have been arrested at the city’s airport for attempting to smuggle drugs in their luggage or bodies—sometimes by swallowing them to evade detection. Authorities are urging citizens, particularly young people, to avoid being lured into these schemes by organized crime networks.
Colombian officials first became aware of the “narco wig” smuggling method in 2022 after similar cases involving women using thick wigs to hide drugs.
