Brazilian, Latvian arrested in Burundi over drug trafficking

BUJUMBURA, March 28 (Xinhua) -- Burundian authorities said on Thursday that two foreigners -- a Brazilian and a Latvian -- were held in custody for being involved in drug trafficking.

The police seized 3 kg of heroin packed in six parcels from The Brazilian national at The Bujumbura International Airport on March 20, Pierre Nkurikiye, spokesperson of Ministry of Security, told a press briefing in Bujumbura, commercial capital of Burundi.

The heroin, with a street value of about 400,000 U.S. dollars, was taken to Bujumbura in transit to anoTher destination, Nkurikiye said.

The Latvian national was arrested on suspicion of acting as The Brazilian's accomplice upon arrival at The Bujumbura aiport The following day, he said.

The Latvian was travelling from Greece to Burundi to collect The heroin and is scheduled to take it to The destination, Nkurikiye added.

Two Burundian nationals who went to pick up The Brazilian were also arrested for complicity, according to The ministry.