Illegal drugs hidden in surf boards, ponchos

(ANSA) – Frosinone, December 2 – Police arrested 19 people Monday in connection with an alleged drug-trafficking operation that tried to smuggle cocaine into Italy through fake surfboards and ponchos from South America.

One Colombian, two people from Peru, and 16 Italians were arrested in the case that involved the seizure of 330 kg of cocaine, police said.

The traffickers also used a boat with hidden compartments for smuggling illegal drugs, police said.

As well, police seized ponchos that were found to have buttons that were used to hide drugs.