One of the false compartments in a suitcase containing packages of cocaine. (St. Maarten Customs Department photo)
AIRPORT--St. Maarten Customs officials seized four kilogrammes (kg) of cocaine which was found in the luggage of two women arriving at Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIA) on Tuesday. According to the Customs Department, the women arrived on a flight that originated in Trinidad.
They told authorities that St. Maarten was their final destination, claiming to be on a week-long vacation. When their bags were put through the airport’s x-ray scanners, customs officials noticed “anomalies” with the luggage. The suitcases had false inner linings and compartments, which were subsequently found to contain 37 packages filled with a white powder. Later tests of the powder came back positive for cocaine. In total, four kg of the drug were found in the suitcases. The women were then arrested and are currently being detained. No further information can be given about this case due to the ongoing nature of the investigation, said the Customs Department in a Facebook post on Wednesday morning.
