CHARLOTTE, NC – On separate occasions just two days apart, arriving international passengers at Charlotte-Douglas International Airport had more than clothes in their luggage when encountered by U. S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office of Field Operations.
Smuggling Attempt at Charlotte Airport
On Sunday, CBP officers encountered a 26-year old Jamaican citizen who arrived on a flight from Montego Bay, Jamaica. During an inspection of his luggage, officers discovered a white powdery substance that field-tested positive for cocaine.
On Tuesday, CBP officers encountered a 37-year old Jamaican citizen arriving from Montego Bay, Jamaica. During an inspection of his luggage, officers discovered a white powdery substance that also field-tested positive for cocaine.
“Our CBP officers continue to demonstrate daily vigilance and excellence in detecting those who would try to smuggle illegal narcotics,” said Barry Chastain, CBP Acting Area Port Director Charlotte. “These arrests demonstrate CBP’s vigilance and dedication to securing the homeland and safeguarding our citizens.”
Smuggling Attempt at Charlotte Airport
The two individuals were arrested for the importation of a controlled substance and turned over to Homeland Security Investigations and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department. The total weight of cocaine seized was over six lbs. with an estimated street value of $90,000.
CBP routinely conducts inspection operations on arriving and departing international flights and intercepts narcotics, weapons, currency, prohibited agriculture products, and other illicit items. View CBP Snapshot to learn some of what CBP achieves ‘On a Typical Day.’
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