PHOTO: A woman tried to smuggle cocaine into NYC by concealing it in a deeply private area. Photo Courtesy of U.S. Customs and Border Protection
By Michael V. Cusenza
A woman was recently caught at John F. Kennedy International Airport attempting to smuggle half a pound of cocaine into the city via the most private of concealment methods, U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced last week.
Shekira Thompson, 25, a U.S. citizen, arrived at JFK from Kingston, Jamaica, on Feb. 21 and presented herself for inspection. CBP officers escorted her to a private search room, where upon further questioning Thompson admitted to vaginally inserting a foreign body.
The insert, according to the agents, produced a white, powdery substance that tested positive for cocaine, with an estimated street value of $10,000.
“This seizure is just another example of our CBP officers being ever vigilant in protecting the United States from the distribution of these illicit drugs,” said Robert Perez, director of CBP’s New York Field Operations.
Thompson was placed under arrest and turned her over to the Port Authority Police Department. According to court records, she was arraigned last Monday and charged with first-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. Bail was set at $50,000 cash/$100,000 bond, according to the Department of Correction. As of Wednesday afternoon, Thompson remained on Rikers Island. Her next court date is March 9.
michael@theforumnewsgroup.com
