Colombian traffickers ready cocaine for holidays

0 Comments | AFP, November, 2006

BOGOTA (AFP) — Colombian police have arrested two men molding figurines of Santa Claus out of cocaine for smuggling to the United States and Europe in time for the holiday season. The market-savvy artisans also cast festive cups, place mats and other Christmas decorations from the same gelatinous mix, which when dried, looks like plastic, Colombia's intelligence police, DAS, said in a statement Saturday.

The lab was found in Tolima province 130 kilometers (80 miles) from Bogota. Colombian officials said that 2006 would be a banner year for cocaine seizures, after 776 tonnes last year, according to the country's drug czar. Two men were jailed and may not get any presents this year. © 2006 AFP