BOSTON — U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers in the Office of Field Operations at Boston Logan International Airport began the month with the arrest of a 22-year-old male U.S. Citizen for attempting to smuggle more than six pounds of cocaine into the United States using a modified suitcase.
On Dec. 1, the alleged smuggler arrived on a flight from Panama City, Panama, and was referred for a secondary examination in the CBP inspection area.
During the course of the baggage exam, all items were removed from a suitcase that appeared to be unusually heavy and abnormally thick.
A more in-depth examination using an x-ray machine revealed anomalies in the bottom of the bag. Subsequently, CBP officers discovered a white powder in a false compartment of the suitcase that field tested positive for cocaine. A total of 2.91 kilograms of cocaine was recovered.
The subject, the narcotics and his personal belongings were turned over to Massachusetts State Police for further investigation and prosecution.
“Once again, the vigilance and experience of our CBP officers has prevented an alleged smuggler from introducing harmful narcotics into our communities,” said Kevin W. Weeks, director of Field Operations in Boston. “This carefully concealed drug load reminds us of the ever-present threat from criminals attempting to smuggle illicit drugs into the U.S.”
CBP routinely conducts inspections on passengers, cargo and conveyances, searching for narcotics, currency, weapons and other prohibited or illicit products.
The charges and allegations contained in criminal complaints are merely accusations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
For more on CBP’s border security mission at our nation’s ports of entry, please visit the CBP website.