CBP at JFK Seizes Cocaine in Computer Bag

U. S. Customs and Border Protection Officers Catch Cocaine inside Computer Bag

JAMAICA, N.Y. — An arriving passenger at John F. Kennedy International Airport had more than a laptop in her computer bag when encountered by U. S. Customs and Border Protection Officers.

On September 9, CBP officers stopped Ms. Ortega Tejada who arrived on a flight from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.  During the course of the inspection CBP officers noticed the computer bag was unusually heavy and the sides were thicker than normal.  The officers probed the computer bag and discovered a white powdery substance which tested positive for cocaine.  Ms. Tejada was arrested for the importation of a controlled substance and was turned over to Homeland Security Investigations.  The total weight of cocaine seized was approximately 3.3 lbs. with an approximate street value of more than $55,000.

“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.

Ms. Tejada 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.