C.B.P. News Release

Philadelphia CBP Arrests Paris-Bound Traveler Packing Cocaine
(Friday, May 08, 2009)

Philadelphia – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers arrested an Italian citizen and seized more than five kilos of cocaine concealed in the bottom wall of his suitcase during a routine outbound inspection. He was about to depart on a flight to Paris, France.

“Philadelphia is not a typical narcotics transshipment point, so it’s unusual for us to come across a smuggler exporting cocaine from Philadelphia to overseas.

CBP and ICE discovered more than five kg of cocaine concealed inside two suitcases being stowed aboard a flight to Paris, France at Phila. International Airport on Thursday, May 7, 2009. The traveler was arrested.

This is a perfect example of how CBP merges technology, officer initiative, canine capabilities, and multi-agency partnerships to protect the nation against illicit products. This is a great seizure for both CBP and ICE,â€