A New York City man was recently arrested after allegedly being caught trying to smuggle a massive amount of cocaine into the United States. Police busted the suspect at John F. Kennedy International Airport in Queens, New York. According to law enforcement, the suspect arrived on a plane from the Dominican Republic.

Customs and border protection officials became suspicious after they reportedly observed the suspect “bursting out of his pants” while he walked through airport security and customs. Border guards also said that the suspect appeared nervous.

Airport police officers took the suspect into custody and then moved him to a private room. Once the suspect was in the private area, police conducted a search and reportedly found him with approximately 10 pounds of cocaine in multiple packages taped to his legs. The packages were reportedly so tight they functioned like hard casts that severely limited the suspect’s mobility as he walked through JFK Airport.

When lab technicians later tested the white substance found in the packages, they reportedly confirmed that it was cocaine. The street value of the cocaine seized by police is $164,000.

The suspect is a 28-year-old United States citizen who resides in Manhattan. At this time, it is unclear why he went to the Dominican Republic in the first place. What is known is that he has been charged with federal drug charges for allegedly smuggling narcotics into the U.S. Since the incident concerns international drug trafficking, the federal government got involved and the U.S. Attorney’s Office is handling the case. Depending on the circumstances of the case and whether the suspect reaches a plea agreement with federal prosecutors, he may have to answer the drug offense charges in U.S. District Court in Brooklyn, NY.

 

If you or a loved one has been charged with drug trafficking in NY, you need a qualified criminal defense attorney assisting you throughout the legal process. The experienced criminal defense lawyers at the LaDuca Law Firm can help you fight your criminal charges and avoid the most severe penalties. Contact us today to schedule a consultation at our office in Rochester, New York.