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  4. CBP at JFK Arrests Liquid Cocaine Smuggler

CBP at JFK Arrests Liquid Cocaine Smuggler

Release Date
Wed, 10/14/2015

U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officers Detect Liquid Cocaine in Six Bottles

JAMAICA, N.Y. — An arriving passenger at John F. Kennedy International Airport was bringing in more than oil and vinegar as U. S. Customs and Border Protection officers seized his illegal salad dressing.

CBP at JFK Arrests Liquid Cocaine Smuggler

CBP at JFK Arrests Liquid Cocaine Smuggler

On October 5, Mr. Andres Josue Leal Valle, a Guatemalan citizen, arrived on a flight from Mexico City, Mexico and presented three checked-in suitcases and a carryon bag for examination.  During this examination, CBP officers removed a plastic bottle that contained a liquid that appeared to be thicker than its content description.  Mr. Leal Valle was escorted to a private search room where CBP officers opened the bottles of oil and vinegar and detected an unusual chemical odor.  The liquid tested positive for cocaine.

The total weight of cocaine found in the six bottles seized was approximately 11 lbs. with an approximate street value of $194,000.

“Cocaine is a dangerous narcotic, and CBP does its part in keeping these drugs off the streets.” said Robert E. Perez, Director of CBP’s New York Field Operations.  “Our officers are determined to protect the American people from these illicit substances.”

This case is still under investigation by Homeland Security Investigations.

All defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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.

Last Modified: Feb 03, 2021