NEW YORK – A Bronx resident attempted to smuggle over four pounds of cocaine past U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officers (CBP) at JFK. The cocaine was found concealed within several bags of coffee in her checked luggage.
On March 9th, CBP officers selected Ms. Alicia Jarrett, who had arrived on a flight from Santiago, Dominican Republic, for an enforcement exam. Upon opening her checked luggage, CBP Officers discovered several bags of “100% Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee.” A more intrusiveinspection revealed a white powdery substance within each bag of coffee which field tested positive for cocaine.
“The professional law enforcement officers within CBP are committed to intercepting and disrupting any illicit activity at our borders,” stated Robert E. Perez, Director, Field Operations, New York Field Office. “These drugs would have a detrimental effect on our communities.”
The seized cocaine has an estimated street value of over $98,000. If convicted, Ms. Jarrett may face significant jail time. This marks the second cocaine seizure this week at JFK; bringing the total amount seized to approximately 12 pounds.
Source: http://www.empirestatenews.net/News/20110315-5.html |