MIAMI – Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International Airport intercepted a passenger arriving from Jamaica on May 28. The subject was escorted to secondary inspection for further examination and CBP determined that the subject may be an internal carrier of contraband. The subject was transported to a medical facility where an X-ray indicated the presence of foreign substances in the abdominal area.
After five days and under medical supervision, the subject passed 54 pellets of narcotic filled balloons at the medical facility. CBP officers seized the contraband which was determined to be cocaine, with an estimated value of $30,000 and weighing nearly 1.5 pounds.
“Our dedicated CBP officers are an instrumental part of a detailed inspection process designed to deter and detect illegal activity,” said Fort Lauderdale International Airport Port Director Jorge Roig. “The swallowing of narcotics is an extremely dangerous method of concealment. This interception is an excellent example of how our highly trained officers continue to use their experience and knowledge to detect and interdict the flow of illegal narcotics.”
The case was turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI) special agents for further investigation.
CBP conducts inspection operations and intercepts currency, weapons, prohibited agriculture products and other illicit items, and on average in 2014 seized 10,327 pounds of drugs per day while processing 1,026,234 passengers and pedestrians nationwide.
CBP asks you to report suspicious activities through 1-800-BE-ALERT (1-800-232-5378) or the after-hours toll free number 1-800-562-5943.