June 21, 2007

Woman attempting to smuggle more than 3 kilos of cocaine into the U.S. arrested by ICE in Puerto Rico

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico—A 46-year-old woman who attempted to smuggle approximately 3.59 kilograms of cocaine into the United States was arrested Friday at the Luis Munoz Marin International Airport by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) special agents acting on a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) lead.

Beatrice West Viola arrived in San Juan from Dominica and was referred to a secondary inspection by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The inspection revealed that she was carrying approximately 3.59 kilograms of cocaine wrapped around her waist and thighs.

“It is very sad to see to what lengths drug smugglers will go to evade detection,” said Manuel Oyola Torres, special agent-in-charge of the ICE Office of Investigations in Puerto Rico.  “Smugglers seeking to bring their drugs into our community must think twice. You will be found and arrested.”

West Viola was transferred to the Metropolitan Detention Center in Guaynabo where she is awaiting the outcome of her case.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy Henwood.

The defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial and the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

-- ICE --

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) was established in March 2003 as the largest investigative arm of the Department of Homeland Security. ICE is comprised of five integrated divisions that form a 21st century law enforcement agency with broad responsibilities for a number of key homeland security priorities.

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