C.B.P. News Release

CBP, ICE Joint Effort Leads to Seizure of Nearly $8 Million in Cocaine

(Friday, January 29, 2010)

Newark, N.J. – U.S. Customs and Border Protection and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents on Wednesday seized approximately 248.53 pounds (112.73 kilograms) of cocaine which was concealed within a shipping container at Elizabeth, N.J. Seaport.

The cocaine was packed in kilogram-sized packages and contained within two suitcases and three duffle bags. The container was targeted as part of an investigation into an international drug trafficking organization in Panama. This investigation has yielded numerous seizures since June 2008.

“These seizures demonstrated the continued vigilance of our CBP officers and the importance of their role in protecting our ports and maintaining the integrity of cargo sent through the supply chain,â€