Arrest linked to fatal condom cocaine explosion

Sorlinda Aristizabal-Vega died in Auckland Hospital in September after one of the 20 packages of cocaine she had ingested split and leaked into her body. Photo / supplied

A man linked to a Colombian woman who died when a condom of cocaine burst inside her stomach has been arrested and charged with importing the drug.

Peter Philip Leaitua, 40, who appeared in the Auckland District Court today after his arrest last night, is believed to be the son-in-law of Sorlinda Aristizabal-Vega.

Mrs Aristizabal-Vega was carrying more than 20 packages of cocaine, worth an estimated $120,000 to $190,000, in her stomach when she flew to New Zealand from Argentina in September.

She passed customs without any problems, but died in Auckland Hospital the following morning after one of the packages split and leaked into her body.

It is believed Mr Leaitua entered the country on the same flight as Ms Aristizabal-Vega.

He is wanted by Argentina police for drug charges and is the subject of an Interpol Buenos Aires "red notice".

His arrest is not related to the Interpol notice, but New Zealand authorities have advised Interpol Buenos Aires that Mr Leaitua has been located.

- HERALD ONLINE