Jamaica, N.Y. — U. S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport had a busy 12-hour period. Starting late at night on January 12 and culminating later the following morning, CBP officers arrested two passengers attempting to smuggle cocaine and heroin, respectively.

On January 12, CBP officers intercepted passenger Ms. Luz Massiel Pérez Arlequín arriving from the Dominican Republic. During inspection of her luggage a pair of sneakers was determined to have unusually thick soles. The soles of the sneakers were probed producing a white powder that tested positive for cocaine. Continuing with their inspection, CBP officers also found a bra to be unusually thick, which when probed also produced a white powder that tested positive for cocaine. The approximate amount of cocaine seized was a little more than two pounds.

The following morning, officers intercepted Mr. Samuel Osafo, who was arriving on a flight from Ghana. During the inspection, CBP officers found the side of the passenger’s suitcase to be unusually thick. The CBP officers probed the suitcase producing a brown powder that tested positive for heroin. The approximate weight of the heroin seized was just over 11 pounds.

“CBP officers at JFK demonstrate daily their determination and vigilance in keeping these illegal and potentially dangerous narcotics out of the United States,” said Robert E. Perez, Director, Field Operations in New York for CBP.

The two passengers were turned over to agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations. They now face federal narcotics smuggling charges and will be prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the U.S. Eastern District Court of New York.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.