Man Smuggled 2 Kilos Of Cocaine Into Newark Airport: Prosecutor

NEWARK, NJ — A Colorado resident has been accused of trying to smuggle about two kilograms of cocaine into the United States through Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey, authorities announced Monday.

Leandre Kemont Jefferson, 23, of Denver, Colorado, was arrested on Friday and charged with importation of controlled substances, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

According to prosecutors, Jefferson arrived at Newark Liberty International Airport aboard a flight from Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic. During a screening, law enforcement officers discovered that Jefferson had nearly two kilograms of cocaine concealed inside of 12 vacuum packed bags, which were wrapped in foil and hidden inside clothing.

The count with which Jefferson is charged carries a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a potential maximum penalty of 40 years in prison and a $5 million fine, prosecutors said.

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