JAMAICA, N.Y. — U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at John F. Kennedy International Airport discovered nearly 18 pounds of cocaine concealed among powdered custard in the suitcase of a man coming from Guyana.
On April 22, CBP officers stopped Godfrey Cassius who was arriving on a flight from Georgetown, Guyana. During the course of a baggage inspection, CBP officers discovered eight packages of “Champion” custard powder within his luggage. When the packages were probed, they yielded a white powder which emitted a strong chemical odor. That powder tested positive for cocaine.
Cassius, a citizen of Guyana, was arrested for the importation of a controlled substance and was turned over to Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). The total weight of cocaine seized was approximately 17.9 lbs.
“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.”
The approximate street value of the seized narcotic is $300,000.00.
Godfrey Cassius 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.