Peru, foreigners arrested in 2010

In 2010, there were 326 foreigners arrested at the international airport in Lima, for attempting to transport illegal drugs. Of the arrests there were 44 countries represented.

94 of those detained in 2010, were from Spain, 25 Filipinos, 18 Mexicans, 13 Dutch, 13 Britons, and 13 Portuguese.

Mules in Peru are referred to as ‘burriers’. Most of the mules were unemployed, addicts, and or suffered from a terminal illness.

Many of the modes the mules used to try to conceal their illegal drugs were in luggage, backpacks, minerals, and clothes. Some of the most unusual methods were by using guitars, books, stuffed animals(peluchos), and surf boards.

Peru is the largest producer of coca leaf in the world at 119,000 tons. Colombia is second at 103,000 tons. It is estimated that 304 tons of cocaine is produced in Peru.
Source: DIRANDOR, EFE (Peruvian Drug Police)