Argentina nabs gang trying to smuggle cocaine in rice

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina — Argentina’s police has arrested 11 people accused of trying to smuggle cocaine to Europe in bags of rice.

The country’s tax agency said Wednesday that the alleged traffickers wanted to send up to 66 pounds (30 kilograms) of cocaine hidden with rice to Africa on its way to Europe. It was labeled as part of a food initiative.

Customs agents with drug-sniffing dogs found the cocaine last week at a warehouse in the city of Rosario, about 186 miles (300 kilometers) northeast of the Argentine capital.

Authorities also seized chemicals, cash and luxury cars.

Traffickers are increasingly using Argentina’s roads and ports as trade route for cocaine and other drugs bound for the US, Europe and beyond.