U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers stationed at the George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, Texas, recently seized more than four pounds of cocaine and arrested two U.S. citizens in a single incident.
“This smuggling attempt illustrates the lengths criminals will go to smuggle narcotics into the U.S.,” Charles Perez, port director for Houston CBP, said. “It also illustrates the vigilance and attention to detail CBP officers pay when international travelers arrive to the U.S.”
The two passengers were traveling from Lima, Peru. After referring the couple for a secondary inspection of their luggage, the officers noticed that the travelers were carrying several children’s coats of unusual weights that smelled of perfume and vinegar. When CBP officers examined the coats, they found packages sewn into the lining of each garment. The packages contained a white, powdery substance that tested positive for properties of cocaine.
CBP officers seized the cocaine and turned the individuals over for state prosecution.
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 the 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.