Jamaica, N.Y. - A recent traveler discovered that trying to keep a secret from U. S. Customs and Border Protection officers at John F. Kennedy International Airport is not a smart idea and one that got him arrested.
On May 09, CBP officers inspected passenger Roberto Menelas, who arrived at JFK from Port Au Prince, Haiti. CBP officers inspected Mr. Menelas' suitcase and discovered a hidden compartment, which contained a bag. CBP officers opened the bag and discovered a white powder that tested positive for cocaine. Approximately 7.25 pounds of cocaine was seized.
"CBP stands steadfast in our mission of deterring, detecting and detaining those who would try to import illegal narcotics into the United States," said Robert E. Perez, Director, Field Operations New York. "CBP demonstrates daily our determination in disrupting the flow of illegal drugs."
Mr. Menelas was placed under arrest for the importation of a controlled substance. He now faces 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.
All defendants are considered innocent 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 official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.