Former Colombian striker Diego Serna, who had stints with MLS and Colombian soccer clubs, was arrested at Miami International Airport accused of drug trafficking, according to United States court documents.
Authorities maintain that Serna attempted to enter the country with almost 9,000 hydrocodone pills, a controlled opioid.
The 52-year-old former soccer player arrived in Miami last Wednesday from Colombia and was carrying two backpacks. Inside those bags, according to the court file, the agents found seven bottles containing the pills.
The investigation was activated before landing. The Colombian authorities had warned the US police about the shipment that the former player was allegedly carrying.
The operation at the airport and the arrest of a second person
After his arrival in Miami, Serna admitted the facts to the agents and expressed his willingness to collaborate with the investigation, always according to court documents.
As part of the procedure, the former soccer player contacted a woman who was in the departure area of the airport to give her one of the backpacks. The delivery was carried out under the supervision of federal authorities.
Once the exchange was completed, the woman was detained by the agents.
In his statement, Serna stated that an acquaintance paid him for the air ticket in exchange for transporting the shipment to the United States.
The case remains under investigation and the information available so far comes from documents filed in federal court.
Release on bail and next hearing
After appearing in federal court, the former forward was released on $100,000 bail.
The hearing for the formal reading of charges was scheduled for August 20.
Serna developed part of his career in American soccer with the Los Angeles Galaxy and New England Revolution, in addition to playing for Once Caldas and other Colombian soccer teams.
Authorities have not yet reported any new arrests related to the case or possible additional charges.
The case will continue its course in the US federal justice system, which will determine the procedural situation of the former soccer player in the coming weeks.
