NEWARK, N.J. – U. S. Customs and Border Protection officers at Newark Liberty International Airport caught a passenger trying to smuggle cocaine into the United States hidden within picture frames.
CBP at Newark Seizes Cocaine Inside Picture Frames
On March 21, Mr. Job Israel DeJesus Ortega, a Peruvian Citizen, arrived at Newark Liberty International Airport from Lima, Peru and presented two checked-in suitcases and a book bag for inspection.
CBP officers conducted a physical search of his baggage, and discovered three picture frames and two paper packages. When probed, the picture frames revealed a white powdery substance that tested positive for cocaine. In total, an estimated weight of 1 lb. of cocaine was seized with an approximate street value of $30,000.
“CBP Officers remain ever vigilant in protecting the United States from the distribution of these dangerous drugs, regardless of the concealment methods employed by these would-be smugglers,” said Robert E. Perez, Director of CBP’s New York Field Operations.
Mr. DeJesus Ortega was turned over to the Port Authority Police Department. He now faces state prosecution for narcotics smuggling charges. All defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.