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  4. CBP at JFK Seizes Cocaine in Food

CBP at JFK Seizes Cocaine in Food

Release Date
Thu, 03/10/2016

U. S. Customs and Border Protection Catch Cocaine in Seed Cakes

JAMAICA, N.Y. — An arriving passenger at John F. Kennedy International Airport had cakes that contained more than flour and sugar as U. S. Customs and Border Protection agriculture specialists and officers discovered.

CBP at JFK Seizes Cocaine in Food

CBP at JFK Seizes Cocaine in Food

On March 1, CBP agriculture specialists were performing an x-ray examination of luggage belonging to Mr. Jesus Martinez Ramirez, a citizen of Mexico, who had arrived on a flight from Mexico City, Mexico.  CBP agriculture specialists performing the x-ray examination noticed an anomaly on the x-ray of a cake, and discovered that a package was concealed within the cake.

CBP agriculture specialists requested assistance from CBP officers who escorted Mr. Martinez Ramirez to a private search room where CBP officers probed the concealed package producing a white powder that tested positive for cocaine.

In total, CBP discovered five cakes that contained approximately 2 lbs. of cocaine, with an estimated street value of $33,000.

“This latest seizure demonstrates the vigilance of our CBP officers, and their excellence in detecting those who would try to smuggle these illegal substances,” said Robert E. Perez, Director, Field Operations New York.

CBP officers placed Mr. Jesus Martinez Ramirez under arrest and turned him over to the Port Authority Police Department.  He now faces state narcotics smuggling charges and will be prosecuted by the Queens County District Court.

All defendants are considered innocent until proven guilty. 

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.

Last Modified: Feb 03, 2021