U. S. Customs and Border Protection Catches Heroin in a False Bottom
NEWARK, N.J. — U. S. Customs and Border Protection officers discovered a false bottom in a piece of luggage carried by a passenger arriving at Newark Liberty International Airport.
On July 17, CBP officers intercepted passenger Mr. Alfred Battle, a United States citizen, arriving from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. During his examination, CBP officers noticed that the bag was heavier than normal and found that it had a false bottom. Mr. Battle was escorted to a private search room where CBP officers probed his suitcase producing a light brown powder that tested positive for heroin.
In total, CBP discovered approximately 18 lbs. of heroin with an estimated street value of $512,000.
“This latest seizure demonstrates the vigilance of our CBP officers, and their excellence in detecting those who attempt to smuggle these illegal substances,” said Robert E. Perez, Director, Field Operations New York.
CBP officers placed Mr. Battle under arrest and turned him over to the Port Authority Police Department for state prosecution.
All defendants are considered innocent until proven guilty.