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    In an effort to keep CBP.gov current, the archive contains content from a previous administration or is otherwise outdated.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. Cincinnati CBP Finds $478,000 Worth of Cocaine in Women’s Boots

Cincinnati CBP Finds $478,000 Worth of Cocaine in Women’s Boots

Release Date
Wed, 07/22/2020

CINCINNATI—Last Friday, July 17, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers in Cincinnati discovered 21 pounds of cocaine concealed in a shipment of ladies’ footwear transiting through a local express consignment facility.cocaine boots

While searching incoming freight from Bogota, Columbia during routine operations, Narcotics Detector Dog “Betty” alerted to a shipment manifested as “shoes.” Officers x-rayed the package, which appeared to be a large shipment of ladies boots, and noticed what appeared to be unusually thick arch supports within the shoes. After a closer exam, they found multiple rectangular black packages in hidden compartments cut into the soles beneath the arches. The packages contained a white powder that tested positive for cocaine.

The shipment was destined to a private individual at a residence in Haverstraw, New York.

CBP Cincinnati Port Director Richard Gillespie expressed his appreciation for his officers and their hard-working canine companions. “Our officers and canine teams are part of the best frontline defense in the world. They are exceptional at what they do.”

Cocaine is a dangerous and highly addictive stimulant. Abuse of the drug can lead to paranoia, exhaustion, heart conditions, convulsions, stroke, and death. It is classified as a Schedule II stimulant under the Controlled Substances Act.

With more than 1,500 canine teams, the CBP Canine Program is the largest and most diverse law enforcement canine program in the country. The Canine Program supports canine training initiatives and serves as a resource center for a multitude of domestic and international law enforcement partners, and its graduates consistently excel in the field and in competition.

CBP conducts operations at ports of entry throughout the United States, and regularly screens arriving international passengers and cargo for narcotics, weapons, and other restricted or prohibited products. CBP strives to serve as the premier law enforcement agency enhancing the Nation’s safety, security, and prosperity through collaboration, innovation, and integration.

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 official ports of entry. CBP is charged with securing the borders of the United States while enforcing hundreds of laws and facilitating lawful trade and travel.

Last Modified: Feb 03, 2021