Former Miss Bolivia, Alondra Mercado Campos, aged 22, has been arrested and is currently detained in Trinidad Women’s Prison in Beni, Argentina, on charges of arms smuggling. Known as “Alondra MC,” who held the titles of Miss Bolivia World 2020 and Miss Bolivia 2023, Campos has a following of 40,000 on Instagram.
Local reports indicate that the police found a large quantity of AK-47 weapons and ammunition at Campos’s residence. She will remain in custody for 30 days before her first court appearance. Additionally, forensic evidence may also implicate her in drug-related offenses.
During the court session, Alondra chose to remain silent. Prosecutors requested her detention in jail. Her partner, identified as Andres Vasquez, is currently a fugitive and wanted for his connection to drug trafficking.
Deputy Attorney General of Beni, Geraldo Balderas, disclosed that Vasquez is under investigation for smuggling controlled substances. Video footage found on Campos’s cellphone allegedly shows them participating in parties with illegal weapons confiscated by the police.
Beauty pageants have occasionally been associated with shocking controversies and criminal activities involving contestants. One notable case involved Laura Zuniga, Miss Hispanic America, who was detained in 2006 with her boyfriend and others on charges of racketeering, drug trafficking, weapons violations, and money laundering. Another incident in 2006 reported Miss USA, Tara Conner, using cocaine and engaging in underage drinking. Donald Trump, then owner of the Miss USA pageant, sent her to rehab instead of stripping her of her crown. These cases highlight the unexpected intersection of the beauty pageant world with serious criminal activities.
