WILLEMSTAD – A 53-year-old man died on Sunday at Curaçao International Airport just before boarding a scheduled TUI flight to Amsterdam. The Public Prosecution Office (OM) confirmed the incident in an official statement. 

According to preliminary investigations, the man had ingested a large quantity of cocaine pellets, which are believed to have caused his death. 

“This incident once again highlights the life-threatening risks associated with drug smuggling by swallowing pellets,” the OM stated. 

Authorities have launched a full investigation into the case, and no further details about the man’s identity have been released at this time. Bolletjesslikken — the Dutch term for body-packing drugs — remains a persistent issue for law enforcement at Caribbean airports, particularly involving flights bound for Europe. 

The Curaçao authorities continue to warn travelers against engaging in such high-risk smuggling tactics, stressing the severe health dangers and legal consequences.