Can a suspect be arrested overseas under these circumstances?

I was watching a dramatization of a real-life incident where an American citizen volunteered to act as a drug mule for an overseas vacation.The woman had cocaine powder planted in her high heeled shoes.Unfortunately,someone has tipped off the authorities at the airport,and she was intercepted,searched and arrested.But what if the woman would have found a way to ditch her shoes before the encountered the police?(A very unlikely prospect,I understand)Could she still be arrested and charged even if they couldnt find drugs on her?