08/31/2009

News / Newark CBP Officers Find Liquid Cocaine Worth $250,000 Concealed in Shampoo Bottles

Newark, N.J. — U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers from Newark, N.J. Liberty International Airport Monday discovered more than five pounds of liquid cocaine hidden in shampoo bottles in luggage belonging to passengers arriving from Costa Rica.


U.S. citizens Yajaira Navarro, age 34, and co-traveler Yuky Angulo, age 26, were selected for a routine baggage examination upon arriving. The women arrived aboard a flight from San Jose, Costa Rica. While inspecting the women’s luggage, several bottles of shampoo were found. When opened, the bottles were found to contain a very dense liquid that had an unusual odor, not consistent with hair products. The liquid field-tested positive for liquid cocaine.


The cocaine seized has an estimated street value of over $250,000. Both the narcotics and suspects were turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for further investigation. The case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in New Jersey. Both suspects were arraigned at U.S. District Court in Newark. If convicted, the suspects face a maximum of 10 years in prison.


Newark CBP officers have had a busy week with narcotic seizures at the airport. On August 23rd, a Lithuanian citizen in transit to the Netherlands from Costa Rica was arrested for smuggling over 2 pounds of cocaine concealed in wooden candleholders. Andresus Packman was arrested and turned over to ICE for further investigation. The suspect was arraigned at the U. S. District Court in Newark, and the case will be prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in New Jersey. If convicted, Mr. Packman faces a maximum of 10 years in prison and a permanent ban from entering the United States. The street value for this cocaine seizure over $126,000.


“CBP is fully committed to interdicting the flow of illicit narcotics into our ports of entry. The vigilance and expertise that is utilized in identifying complex concealment methods enhances CBP’s layered defense in protecting the United States against dangerous drugs,” stated Robert E. Perez, director for CBP in New York.

http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/newsroom/news_releases/08272009_6.xml

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