07 July 2023 , 09:53
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An ex-porn star was among a group of five arrested carrying suitcases containing more than 14lb of cocaine at Uruguay's largest airport.
Mia Etcheverria, two other women, and two men were seized at Carrasco International Airport, Uruguay, as they attempted to board a flight to Madrid, Spain. The group was rumbled by the police during a routine check last month.
Officers found two hidden compartments in one of the men’s two suitcases containing six slabs of a white, powdery substance which tested positive for cocaine. The police then pulled aside the rest of his group - three women, aged 26, 27, and 36, and a 35-year-old man.
Etcheverria is a former star on Uruguayan adult channel Divas TV (Newsflash)
Some of the haul discovered by the police (Newsflash)One of the women was former porn actress and model Etcheverria, 27, who was once in a relationship with retired footballer Richard Morales. The five suspects have been hit with charges related to "attempted drug exportation".
Four, including Mia, are currently in custody as the police search for a sixth person in relation to the case.
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Mia's lawyer, Pablo Casas, claims his client "was unaware of the contents of the suitcases".
He told local media: "The conclusions that she collaborated, that she was aware of the contents, and that she simply passed those suitcases are incorrect."
Mia's real name is Camila Navarro is a former star on Uruguayan adult channel Divas TV.
She has two daughters with Morales, who, following her arrest, has said he will pay her legal fees.
He said in a statement: "Nowadays, more than ever, my only priority is my daughters and their well-being, and I will protect them from any media exposure related to this issue."
Police discovered the drugs at the airport in hidden compartments in their suitcases (Newsflash)"I understand we are both public figures in different contexts, but I consider it unnecessary to constantly refer to me and my daughters."
The Ministry of the Interior of Uruguay said in a statement: "On the morning of Saturday, 24th June, personnel from the Carrasco International Airport Delegation, belonging to the General Directorate for the Repression of Illicit Drug Trafficking (DGRTID), were conducting checks in the check-in area of a flight bound for Madrid when they detected a passenger with a possible risk profile.
"After verifying his itinerary, a routine inspection of his luggage was requested, which the passenger authorised. He was escorted to the inspection room while the three women travelling with him remained in the check-in area.
"Once in the inspection room, the passenger was identified as a 29-year-old Uruguayan citizen. Upon inspecting his luggage, a hidden compartment was found in both of his suitcases, containing six slabs of white powdered substance in each. After weighing it, the total weight of the substance was determined to be 6.502 kilogrammes, testing positive for the presence of cocaine.
"As a result, the personnel in the check-in area were notified, and they escorted the women, who were 26-, 27-, and 36-year-old Uruguayan citizens, to another inspection room. Additionally, another companion, a 35-year-old Uruguayan citizen, was located and also taken to an inspection office.
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"Furthermore, two vehicles used for the transportation of all these individuals were identified, and 900 euros and four mobile phones were seized from them.
"Subsequently, the detainees were brought before the Justice system, and the possible organiser of the illicit activity was identified, for whom an arrest warrant was requested.”