An Irishman has died in Venezuela after a suspected attempt to import cocaine went wrong. The man, who was in his early 30s and had links to a Co Sligo-based crime family, died when condoms he was carrying in his body burst.
Two associates in their 20s from Galway are due in court in Caracas today.
Police in the Venezuelan capital said they found the man dying in a hotel in the city on Wednesday. The dead man was from the Athlone area and is understood to have linked up with the Sligo crime family when he met family members in jail.
The Department of Foreign Affairs said last night consular assistance was being provided and an official was travelling from the Irish Embassy in Mexico.