Photo Courtesy of U.S. Customs and Border Protection
The estimated street value of the 5 pounds of cocaine that were seized is $85,000.
By Forum Staff
Federal officers last week seized approximately 5 pounds of cocaine from a passenger who was attempting to pose as an airline crew member.
On March 27, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials, CBP officers intercepted passenger Mario Hudson, a citizen of Jamaica, who had just arrived from Kingston. Hudson allegedly was dressed in what appeared to be a pilot’s uniform and claimed he was a “dead-heading crewmember.” During the baggage inspection, agents discovered that Hudson allegedly had what appeared to be two fraudulent Delta Airlines ID badges.
During closer examination of Hudson’s luggage, CBP officers said that they noticed that the sides and bottom appeared to be unusually thick and heavy. Hudson was escorted to a private search room where his suitcase was probed revealing a white powder that tested positive for cocaine, according to officials.
Hudson was arrested for the import of a controlled substance and was turned over to Homeland Security Investigations. The estimated street value of the 5 pounds of cocaine is $85,000.
“This seizure demonstrates the vigilance and dedication demonstrated daily by CBP officers at JFK, in keeping these prohibited and dangerous narcotics off the streets of our communities,” said Leon Hayward, acting Director, Field Operations in New York for CBP.
