Consul General Meets Suspected Estonian Cocaine Smugglers in Peru
An Estonian diplomat arrived in Peru yesterday where he has met with two Estonian women, Anneli Kolk and Anne-Maarja Gross, who were taken into custody two weeks ago after authorities found them in possession of six kilograms of cocaine at Cuzco Airport.
Sten Schwede, the head consul in New York, also met with the suspects' public prosecutor, a veteran lawyer with experience in drug cases, and is due to meet with Peruvian officials, a press representative for the Estonian Foreign Ministry, Minna-Liina Lind, told uudised.err.ee
"The preliminary investigation is still under way, charges have not been brought against the Estonian citizens. The Estonian citizens confirmed that conditions have been good in the preliminary investigation and they have access to an interpreter," the press representative said.
"Before heading to Lima, the Peruvian capital, Schwede also plans today to meet with European countries' honorary consuls who are active in Cuzco. In coming days, Schwede will meet with Foreign Ministry and Justice Ministry officials in Lima, as well as with Estonia's honorary consul in Lima and with the embassy representatives of various countries," Lind said.
The Foreign Ministry said the number of Estonian citizens that have been detained for drug crimes in Peru and other Latin American countries has recently increased dramatically.
At present, 37 Estonian citizens are serving prison sentences for drug crimes in six South American countries, including 15 inmates in Peru.