NEW YORK, N.Y. – The thin handle rails of a suitcase were an alleged smuggler’s hiding spot of choice for more than $82,000 worth of cocaine, according law enforcement at John F. Kennedy Airport.
Warren Hawk, a citizen of the U.S., was arrested June 5 at the Queens airport after Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents found the drug stuffed into his suitcase handles, officials said Wednesday.
Returning to the U.S. from Guyana earlier this month, Hawk presented himself to CBP agents for inspection, authorities said. That’s when officer noticed that the handle rails on the traveler’s suitcase were unusually thick.
Upon further inspection of the luggage, officers discovered nearly 5 pounds of a white powdery substance that tested positive for cocaine, according to CBP.
“Smugglers of illegal narcotics will try almost anything to get their dangerous drugs into the United States,” the agency said. “Fortunately, U. S. Customs and Border Protection Officers at John F. Kennedy International Airport are aware of their concealment methods.”
Hawk was handed over to Homeland Security Investigations and faces federal narcotics smuggling charges.
Source: CNN/WPIX
