Compilation of evidence against young drug mules from Panama begins

A court has heard a customs official give his account of how he had discovered five kilograms of cocaine stashed in a false bottom of a Panamanian student’s suitcase.

The compilation of evidence against two young Panamanian language students, Hector Antonio Montenegro Martinez and Lorena Vanessa Hernandez Munoz, who are charged with attempting to smuggle over 10kg of cocaine into the country, continued today. 

The official had inspected the luggage after the authorities had received a tip off that the drugs would be arriving on a flight from Amsterdam. 20-year-old Hector Antonio Montenegro Martinez was arrested upon his arrival at Malta International Airport on 12 August , carrying 5kg of cocaine in a hidden compartment in his suitcase.

“I pierced the bottom of the suitcase with a knife. When I pulled it out, the blade was white [with powder],” the customs official told Magistrate Neville Camilleri. Amongst several items found in the suitcase was a document mentioning another passenger, Lorena Vanessa Hernandez Munoz. 

Munoz, 21, was also arrested after police inquiries led them to her room at Villa Rosa Beach Garden. “We searched her room and found a suitcase. Even after emptying the contents, it was still heavy.” Another 5kg of the drug was found in a false bottom in her suitcase.

The court ordered the seizure of all movable and immovable property belonging to the accused. It also prohibited the accused from transferring any of their property to third parties.

Police Inspectors Nikolai Sant and Jonathan Cassar prosecuted. Lawyer Abigail Bugeja is appearing for Martinez and Munoz.

The case continues in September.