June 29, 11

NEWS / CBP Officers at JFK Airport Seize Nearly 5 Pounds of Cocaine Concealed in Sneakers

Jamaica, N.Y. –U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at John F. Kennedy International Airport last week discovered nearly five pounds of cocaine in abandoned luggage. The bag, which arrived on a flight from the Dominican Republic, contained four pairs of sneakers with narcotics concealed within the soles.

On June 23, CBP officers at JFK examined leftover luggage arriving on a flight from the Dominican Republic. Upon examination of its contents, CBP officers discovered four pairs of sneakers, which were unusually heavy. A more intrusive exam of the sneakers produced a white powdery substance, which field-tested positive for cocaine.

“CBP officers in the New York area remain vigilant in their efforts to combat the illicit trade of narcotics,” said Robert E. Perez, Director, Office of Field Operations, New York. “These highly skilled officers are committed to their mission of protecting our nation’s communities.”

The narcotics seized during this inspection carried a street value over $107,000.

http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/newsroom/news_releases/local/06292011.xml