Three foreign nationals were detained in Tumbes as they tried to bring drugs into Peru from Ecuador.[1] Police intercepted them in two separate operations at the Centro Binacional de Atención Fronteriza, known as Cebaf.[1] In the first case, Ecuadorian Hugo Barco was carrying a styrofoam box that apparently served to transport black clams, a local seafood.[1] When authorities inspected the box they found several bags with marijuana at the bottom, and the drug was said to be bound for Lima.[1]
Hours later, two Russian nationals were detained after authorities found six kilos of high-purity cocaine hydrochloride hidden in their suitcases.[1] Both Russians had also entered Peru from Ecuador and could not justify the contents of their luggage.[1] The drugs were seized immediately and the detainees were handed to the Public Ministry for the investigation to continue.[1] The two Russians were detained at the Cebaf entry control when their suitcases went through the sensors and the field test showed six and a half kilos of cocaine hydrochloride, according to Andina.[2] Andina names the pair as Zevs Kosmos and Aleksandr Livinskii, both 47, travelling in a lead-grey Kia with Ecuadorian plate PDI-3090.[2] Andina describes the two Russians as members of a group it calls the “Los Rusos de la Droga” clan.[2] Andina says the detainees were taken to the National Police criminalistics division in Tumbes, where the provincial anti-drug prosecutor’s office attended.[2]
The vehicle used by the Ecuadorian was also held as part of the preliminary proceedings.[1] Both detentions took place at the Cebaf on the Peru-Ecuador border, a strategic zone used for migration and trade control.[1] The authorities said they would keep reinforcing controls on the northern border because more foreigners were trying to bring illegal substances into the country.[1] The three detainees remained in custody while the inquiries continued.[1] The prosecutor’s office had already opened an investigation to establish whether there were more people involved and what the final destination of the drugs would be.[1]
