Hidden In Food: 10 Pounds of Cocaine, 88 Oxy Pills At Newark Airport

An arriving passenger had an interesting assortment of food products seized by U. S. Customs and Border Protection officers at Newark Liberty International Airport over the weekend, authorities said.

During an examination of a passenger’s luggage, CBP officers said they discovered a variety of food products, drinks and 88 Oxycodone pills within his checked bag on Sunday.

The passenger, William Anthony Sanchez, a United States citizen, had just arrived at Newark Liberty International Airport from Lima, Peru, and presented himself for inspection.

The passenger was subsequently escorted to a private search room where CBP officers conducted a physical search of his baggage. CBP officers probed the food items producing a white powder that tested positive for cocaine, authorities said.

In total, approximately 10 ponds of cocaine were seized, along with 88 Oxycodone pills, with an estimated street value of $170,000.

“CBP officers remain ever vigilant in protecting the United States from the distribution of these dangerous drugs, regardless of the concealment methods employed by these would-be smugglers,” said Robert E. Perez, Director of CBP’s New York Field Operations.

Sanchez was turned over to the Port Authority Police Department. He now faces state prosecution for narcotics smuggling charges and will be prosecuted by the New Jersey State District Attorney’s Office in Newark.

Photo: CBP, Port Authority