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PDEA nabs Colombian 'swallower' of illegal drugs


A male Colombian national, identified by authorities as a "swallower" of illegal drugs, was arrested by Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) agents, according to a report on "Unang Balita."

After spending twenty-four hours in the hospital, alleged drug courier Alberto Pedraza Quijano was arrested after he expelled from his body, 79 pieces of elongated rubber pellets containing cocaine.

Quijano was identified by PDEA operatives as a swallower or a drug courier who swallows or hides illegal drugs inside his body as a means to smuggle contraband items.

According to the PDEA, the pellets contained 1.185 kilograms of cocaine worth about P8.89 million.

Quijano was arrested at the NAIA Terminal 3 last November 12 after disembarking from a flight that came from Dubai.

Local officials were informed of the attempt to smuggle cocaine through the intelligence report from the US Homeland Security, which conducted an investigation.

Ismael Fajardo, PDEA Director III, said the Colombian is a frequent flier and that he was not arrested immediately because he was wearing an ID card that showed he was member of a foundation.

Officials found that this was Quijano's third trip to the Philippines, so they suspect that this was the third time he smuggled illegal drugs into the country.

It is also possible, the officials added, that he is part of an international drug syndicate.

They are currently verifying information that Quijano was imprisoned in the United States due to drugs-related charges.

Meanwhile, the admitted the crime he committed and that he was involved in the illegal drug trade for the money.

Authorities are conducting an investigation to identify Quijano's contact in the country who only gets in touch with him upon his arrival at the airport to give him instructions.

They also plan to do a forensic examination of Quijano's cellphone. — BAP, GMA News

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