Police intercept young Cuban man in Lagomar with 21.865 kilograms of cocaine
The driver tried to escape, and the operation included seizure of his vehicle and a phone; a related search also found cocaine base and a replica firearm.
Police in Canelones detained a 23-year-old Cuban man in Lagomar who was carrying 21.865 kilograms of cocaine in the trunk of his car.
Officers were watching the area when they identified a vehicle linked to an investigation. When the driver saw police, he tried to flee but was intercepted within minutes.
A search of the trunk found eight bricks and 24 half-bricks. Testing confirmed the substance was cocaine; Uruguay’s Interior Ministry estimated its market value at about $200,000.
In addition to the drugs, police seized the car and a cellphone. During a search connected to the case, they found one kilogram of cocaine base and a replica firearm resembling a submachine gun.
The detainee was placed at the disposal of the First Shift Prosecutor’s Office. Authorities had not reported whether he was charged or what precautionary measures would apply. The investigation remains open, and authorities are seeking to establish the destination of the drugs and whether other people were involved.