One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.
Drug Control Police seized 1,631 lbs. of cocaine hidden under 58 boxes of scrap metal in a truck attempting to leave Costa Rica at the Peñas Blancas border crossing Thursday evening.
Smugglers tried to throw off the scent of the cocaine by packing it in plastic foam with instant coffee and grease, but drug-sniffing dogs eventually found the packages.
Authorities noted that the drugs were wrapped in adhesive tape and bore the images of a blue scorpion, a smiley face, and a Yamaha motorcycle, a sort of brand marker used by drug traffickers.
Police detained the Costa Rican driver and a Nicaraguan passenger who were riding with the illicit cargo.