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  4. Cocaine Found Under Pants Again by CBP at JFK

Cocaine Found Under Pants Again by CBP at JFK

Release Date
Fri, 03/17/2017

JAMAICA, N.Y. — It was like ‘déjà vu all over again’ for U. S. Customs and Border Protection officers in New York when a would-be smuggler attempted to transport illegal drugs into the United States.

Cocaine Found Under Pants at JFK Again
Cocaine Found Under Pants at
JFK Again

On March 16, Mr. Mayobanex Ruiz Gomez, a citizen of the Dominican Republic, arrived at John F. Kennedy International Airport from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic and presented himself for inspection.  During the examination of Mr. Gomez’s suitcase, he exhibited numerous signs of nervousness.

Mr. Gomez was subsequently escorted to a private search room where CBP officers conducted a physical search of his person.  During the search, the officers discovered packages taped to his legs.

The packages contained a white powder that tested positive for cocaine.  Approximately 5lbs. of cocaine was seized, with an estimated street value of more than $83,000.

“This latest seizure demonstrates our CBP officers being ever vigilant in protecting the United States from the distribution of these illicit drugs,” said Leon Hayward, Acting Director of CBP’s New York Field Operations.

CBP officers placed him under arrest and turned him over to Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).  He now faces federal narcotics smuggling charges and will be prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the U.S. Eastern District Court of New York.

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