The accused supplied drugs in several cities of the department, particularly in the seaside resort of Punta del Este.

Following the investigation, which included surveillance of the suspects, police arrested a 36-year-old Colombian man with a criminal record.

The man had traveled to Argentina and was caught at the Maldonado bus terminal on his way back to the country with cocaine in a backpack.

His female partner, of the same nationality, was also arrested during a raid at his home.

Money, cocaine, methamphetamine pills and a pistol were seized at the scene.

The Colombian was sentenced to two years and 11 months and his partner to 11 months imprisonment for the crime of supplying narcotic substances.

jrr/arm/ro/oo