NEWARK: An arriving passenger had an interesting assortment of food products seized by U. S. Customs and Border Protection officers at Newark Liberty International Airport over the weekend.
On October 4, Mr. William Anthony Sanchez, a United States Citizen, arrived at Newark Liberty International Airport from Lima, Peru, and presented himself for inspection. During the examination of Sanchez’s luggage, CBP officers discovered a variety of food products, drinks and 88 Oxycodone pills within his checked bag.
The passenger was subsequently escorted to a private search room where CBP officers conducted a physical search of his baggage. CBP officers probed the food items producing a white powder that tested positive for cocaine. In total, approximately 10 lbs. of cocaine was seized, along with 88 Oxycodone pills, with an estimated street value of $170,000.
“CBP officers remain ever vigilant in protecting the United States from the distribution of these dangerous drugs, regardless of the concealment methods employed by these would-be smugglers,” said Robert E. Perez, Director of CBP’s New York Field Operations.
Mr. Sanchez was turned over to the Port Authority Police Department. He now faces state prosecution for narcotics smuggling charges and will be prosecuted by the New Jersey State District Attorney’s Office in Newark. All defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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