NEW YORK: An investigation is underway after U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers seized nearly 20 pounds of cocaine that was concealed inside the cargo hold of a flight from Montego Bay, Jamaica that arrived at Philadelphia International Airport last week.
Customs officers conducted a cabin sweep and a cargo inspection after the flight arrived at Philly International around 6 p.m. on Dec. 5. The officers were examining the cargo hold when they spotted two drawstring backpacks hidden behind an access panel. Investigators say each backpack contained four brick-shaped objects made up of a white, powdery substance that field-tested positive for cocaine.
The cocaine weighed about 19 pounds, 9 ounces and has a street value of approximately $600,000, investigators said.
“Narcotics interdiction remains a CBP enforcement priority, and a mission that we take very seriously. We are pleased that these dangerous drugs will not reach our city’s streets,” said Susan Stranieri, CBP Port Director for the Area Port of Philadelphia. “CBP remains vigilant at our nation’s borders, and we’ll continue to do our part to help keep our communities safe.”
