Israeli tourist caught smuggling cocaine at Costa Rica airport

Airport police arrested a 29-year-old Israeli tourist Friday morning with more than 3 kilograms of cocaine in his suitcase, according to a statement from the Public Security Ministry.

The suspect, identified by his last name, Roi, was found with 3.25 kg of cocaine wrapped in several small packages hidden beneath a false bottom in his suitcase. Roi entered Costa Rica on Dec. 25, 2014, according to the ministry, and was reportedly planning to travel to Paris, France, when police intercepted him at Juan Santamaría International Airport outside San José.

Roi also carried $1,676 and €285 in cash at the time of his arrest.

He was the first drug mule caught this year, according to an audio statement from Carlos Hidalgo, the ministry’s press chief. Hidalgo said that authorities arrested 135 people during 2014 at the country’s airports and border checkpoints while they attempted to leave the country with cocaine hidden in their belongings or inside their body.