From Caribbean News Now

NEW YORK, USA — An arriving passenger from Suriname had more than clothes in his suitcase when encountered by US Customs and Border Protection Officers at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York.

On Sunday, CBP officers stopped Dhroepchand Badal, who arrived on a flight from Paramaribo, Suriname, via Port of Spain, Trinidad. During the course of the inspection CBP officers noticed his suitcase was unusually heavy and the sides were thicker than normal. The officers probed the bag and discovered a white powdery substance, which tested positive for cocaine.

Badal 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 15 lbs with an approximate street value of more than $255,000.

“Our CBP officers continue to demonstrate daily vigilance and excellence in detecting those who would try to smuggle illegal narcotics,” said Robert E. Perez, director, field operations New York.

Badal now faces federal narcotics smuggling charges and will be prosecuted by the US Attorney’s Office in the US Eastern District Court of New York.

All defendants are considered innocent until proven guilty.

IMAGE: cocaine_seizure2.jpg Cocaine found concealed inside suitcase lining

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