Venezuelan caught with 4 kilos of cocaine

Pineda Salazar (seated)

After receiving a tip from the US government, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) arrested a 22-year-old Venezuelan at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) after she was caught carrying 4.3 kilos of high-grade cocaine

NAIA Customs district collector Ed Macabeo identified the suspected drug mule as Genesis Lorena Pineda Salazar, who arrived in Manila yesterday (October 17) on board an Emirates Air flight from Sao Paolo, Brazil via Dubai.

She is the sixth drug mule arrested at the NAIA in the last month.

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) and the PDEA arrested the suspect with the help of US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

Macabeo said suspect was arrested after the DEA informed Philippine authorities that she was bringing in 4.3 kilos of high-grade cocaine hidden inside sachets of hair coloring solution.

“We alerted our Customs operatives and the PDEA personnel to intercept the arriving suspect bringing undisclosed kilos of illegal drugs,” Macabeo said.

Pineda Salazar arrived at the NAIA Terminal 3 at around 4:30 p.m. on board Emirates Air flight EK 332 from Dubai.

Macabeo said the cocaine was found in her checked luggage, “where it was hidden inside sachets of hair solution to mislead inspectors.”

Pineda Salazar was charged with transportation and possession of illegal drugs at the Pasay City Prosecutor’s Office. She was not allowed to post bail.