JAMAICA, N.Y. — An arriving passenger at John F. Kennedy International Airport had more than a laptop in her computer bag when encountered by U. S. Customs and Border Protection officers.
Computer bag discovered containing 3.3 pounds of cocaine with approximate street value of $55,000
On September 9, CBP officers stopped Ortega Tejada who arrived on a flight from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.
During the course of the inspection, CBP officers noticed the computer bag was unusually heavy and the sides were thicker than normal. The officers probed the computer bag and discovered a white powdery substance which tested positive for cocaine.
Tejada was arrested for the importation of a controlled substance and was turned over to Homeland Security Investigations. The total weight of cocaine seized was approximately 3.3 pounds with an approximate street value of more than $55,000.
“This latest seizure demonstrates the vigilance of our CBP officers, and their excellence in detecting those who would try to smuggle these illegal substances,” said Robert E. Perez, director, Field Operations New York.
Tejada 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.