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Cocaine Found in Custard and Milk Powder

Release Date
Wed, 12/10/2014

CBP Officers Seize Cocaine in Packages of Powder

JAMAICA, N.Y. — This arriving passenger was looking to make more than just dessert as U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at John F. Kennedy International Airport discovered.

cocaine in packages of powder

CBP officers at JFK Seize Cocaine in Packages of Powder

On November 21, CBP officers conducted a canine examination of luggage arriving from Georgetown, Guyana, when K-9 Elza alerted his CBP handler to a suspicious suitcase.  CBP officers stopped Tricia Ann D’Aguiar the owner of the suspicious suitcase.  During the baggage inspection, CBP officers discovered three bags of milk powder and three bags of custard powder within her luggage.  When the packages were probed, they yielded a white powder which emitted a strong chemical odor.  That powder tested positive for cocaine. 

D’Aguiar, a citizen of the United States, was arrested for the importation of a controlled substance and was turned over to Homeland Security Investigations.  The total weight of cocaine seized was approximately 13 lbs. with an approximate street value of $230,000.

“Cocaine is a dangerous narcotic, and CBP does its part in keeping these drugs off the streets.” said Robert E. Perez, Director of CBP’s New York Field Operations.  “Our Officers are determined to protect the American people from these illicit substances.”

Tricia Ann D’Aguiar now faces federal narcotics smuggling charges, and will be prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the U.S. Eastern District Court of New York.

All defendants are considered innocent unless and 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