“After a year-and-a-half-long investigation, the National Police have succeeded in locating an organization that focused on sending drugs to China and Australia,” said Ricardo Alarcon, head of the force's anti-narcotics unit.

The criminal network sometimes secreted drugs inside computers and other electronic devices, and also at times enlisted air passengers to transport the contraband.

In one case, a Colombian woman identified as a model and former beauty contestant was arrested last July in the Chinese city of Guangzhou in possession of a computer with a large quantity of drugs hidden inside.

Authorities said the young woman, Juliana Lopez, now faces trial and a possible death sentence if she is convicted.

Colombia is the world's leading grower of coca leaf, the key ingredient used to produce cocaine.

Officials say there are currently nearly 140 Colombians imprisoned in China, the vast majority of whom face drug related charges.

Experts say one gram of cocaine can fetch as much as $1,000 in China.

- AFP