Interception of smuggling attempts yields 20 pounds of cocaine for CBP Atlanta

In a series of catches made over the last two months of 2019, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport intercepted 20 pounds of cocaine being transported by smugglers.

The amounts, which collectively accounted for around $280,000 in value, were spread across four attempts of varying ingenuity. Most came from Jamaica. Of these, three pounds were within a bag carried by a traveler, more than seven pounds were stuffed inside bags of coffee within a leftover bag and more than three pounds stuffed into coffee bags held by yet another traveler. In a fourth incident, just under seven pounds of cocaine were found concealed within a false-sided bag held by a traveler from Brazil.

“The enforcement of our nation’s laws by our officers at U.S. ports of entry like ATL are paramount in the fight to intercept harmful drugs from abroad and to keep them from impacting our communities,” Paula Rivera, Port Director Atlanta, said.

The cocaine has been jointly seized by CBP officers and U.S. Homeland Security Investigations special agents. Investigation and prosecution are ongoing.