Skip to main content

An official website of the United States government

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock ( ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

  • Archived Content
    In an effort to keep CBP.gov current, the archive contains content from a previous administration or is otherwise outdated.
  1. Home
  2. Newsroom
  3. Local Media Release
  4. CBP at Newark Seizes Cocaine inside a Suitcase

CBP at Newark Seizes Cocaine inside a Suitcase

Release Date
Mon, 06/08/2015

NEWARK, N.J. – U. S. Customs and Border Protection officers at Newark Liberty International Airport seized cocaine found inside items of a checked-in suitcase.

Newark Liberty International Airport seize cocaine hidden in a picture frame.

Officers at Newark Liberty International Airport seize cocaine hidden in a picture frame.

On May 29, Mr. Karlo Oscata, a United States Citizen, arrived at Newark Liberty International Airport from Lima, Peru, and presented himself for inspection.  During the examination of Mr. Oscata’s luggage, CBP officers found one picture frame, six wood coasters, one glass bottle, and two jars that were unusually heavy.

The passenger was subsequently escorted to a private search room where CBP officers conducted a physical search of his baggage.  Further inspection of the four items within the suitcase revealed sources of white powdery substance, which tested positive for cocaine.  In total, an estimated weight of 5 lbs. of cocaine was seized with an approximate street value of $87,000.

“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. Karlo Oscata was turned over to the Port Authority Police Department. He now faces state prosecution for narcotics smuggling charges.

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 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