I.C.E. News Release

Cocaine Disguised as Baking Powder Does Not Fool CBP Officers at JFK

(Wednesday, January 27, 2010)

Jamaica, N.Y. – A Kettering, Md., resident returning home was side tracked by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at JFK, when he was caught with more than 26 pounds of cocaine in his luggage. Arriving international passenger Jaruis Rayon attempted to pass off more than $800,000 worth of cocaine as legitimate baking powder.

On January 10, CBP officers selected Mr. Rayon for a routine baggage inspection after arriving on a flight from Georgetown, Guyana. Mr. Rayon presented two checked bags for inspection and appeared to be a normal international traveler coming through JFK. Upon opening his luggage, CBP officers noticed several bags of what was labeled as baking powder to have an unusual scent. A more intrusive inspection revealed that the white powdery substance contained within these packages which field tested positive for cocaine.

“CBP is dedicated to its mission of protecting our nation’s borders,â€