Cincinnati - U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers discovered over 14 pounds of cocaine at the Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky International Airport yesterday. CBP officers were alerted to an abandoned bag containing cocaine by members of the airport cleaning crew.
Airport cleaning crew members brought the suitcase to CBP after it was discovered in a locked bathroom stall within the Federal Inspection Services (FIS) area. The bathroom was located in a secure and sterile area prior to coming in contact with CBP officers. When the officers opened the bag they discovered 6 bricks of cocaine wrapped in sweatpants. The bag is described as a typical carry-on roller bag with no identification.
"There is no doubt that had the owner of the bag presented themselves for inspection, our officers would have found the cocaine and arrested the subject," said David Murphy, CBP director of field operations in Chicago. "It is suspected that the smugglers became scared off by CBP's presence and enforcement posture. Regardless, this is over 14 pounds of cocaine that will not make it to the streets of America."
The total weight of the seized cocaine is 14.7 pounds valued over $186,000.00. The case is still under investigation.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.