C.B.P. News Release

Newark CBP Intercepts $4M Worth of Cocaine in Transit from Bolivia to Canada

(Monday, June 15, 2009)

Elizabeth, N.J.— Last Monday, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers from the Port of Newark while conducting a routine inspection of containers, selected a container arriving from Panama for an enforcement examination that resulted in the seizure of more than 84 pounds of cocaine.

The container was selected, because the CBP officers noticed the seal on the container had been compromised. Based on the discrepancy, the officers decided to examine the container. Upon opening the container, a black duffel bag containing 35 packages of a white powdery substance was discovered. The powdery substance field tested positive for cocaine.

The cocaine with a street value of over $4 million was turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement for further investigation.

CBP officers frequently conduct seal checks of containers arriving from foreign countries to ensure container security. In this instance, this container was manifested as being loaded in Chile but the seal indicated it was Panama. The shipment manifested as quinoa and rice, originated in Bolivia. It is believed that the drugs were loaded in Panama and it appears that the Shipper and Consignee were not involved in the smuggling attempt. Upon completion of the examination of the container, the shipment was release to the Consignee in Canada.

“CBP officers continued vigilance and expertise demonstrates their ability to interdict dangerous drugs coming into the country, and the importance of keeping the supply chain safe at our ports of entry,â€