Source: Houston Chronicle
Contact:  Tue, 23 Dec 1997
Section: 15A
Website: http://www.chron.com/

Cocaine in luggage seized

RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil  Brazilian police said Monday that they seized 232
pounds of cocaine that was hidden in the luggage of a Colombian national
arriving at Rio de Janeiro's international airport.

Police said it was the single largest seizure of cocaine at Rio airport.

Alexander Suarez Castanho, 28, who arrived from Bogota Sunday, was carrying
the drugs in three suitcases, police said.

He was arrested at the airport but has refused to make a statement before
appearing in court, police said.