Alleged S. African drug mule charged

MANILA, Philippines - A South African woman has been charged before the Department of Justice for allegedly smuggling 8.5 kilos of cocaine in her luggage, an official said yesterday.

Debbie Reyneke was charged with violating Section 3601 (unlawful importation) in relation to Section 101 of the Tariff and Customs Code of the Philippines, Bureau of Customs Commissioner Rufino Biazon said in a statement.

Reyneke was arrested upon arriving at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport from Dubai on Oct. 23 after customs officers found cocaine – with a street value of P40 million – hidden in food packs in her luggage.