NEWARK, N.J. – U. S. Customs and Border Protection officers at Newark Liberty International Airport seized heroin found inside the sides of a suitcase.
CBP at Newark Seizes Heroin Inside a Suitcase
On January 15, Mr. Eduardo Acosta, a United States Citizen, arrived at Newark Liberty International Airport from Bogota, Colombia, and presented himself for inspection. During the examination of Eduardo Acosta’s luggage, CBP officers felt the suitcase was unusually heavy.
The passenger was subsequently escorted to a private search room where CBP officers conducted a physical search of his baggage. Upon further inspection the sides of the suitcase were probed revealing a brown powder that tested positive for heroin. In total, an estimated weight of 4 lbs. of heroin was seized with an approximate street value of $120,000.
“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. Eduardo Acosta 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.