Customs: Woman Tried to Smuggle Cocaine in Shoes, Pocketbook at JFK

Photo: Cocaine was allegedly found in platform shoes and pocketbook. Credit: CBP

A woman faces charges after she tried to smuggle nearly four pounds of cocaine into John F. Kennedy Airport in her pocketbook and shoes, according to Customs and Border Protection officials.

Janisha Amalee Atkins was proceeding through JFK Customs after arriving from Montego Bay, Jamaica when inspection officers grew suspicious of her personal items, CBP said. Officers believed two pairs of platform shoes were unusually heavy so Atkins was escorted to a private search room, CBP said.

Inspectors discovered a white powdery substance inside the shoes that tested positive for cocaine, officials said. Further inspection revealed Atkins’ bag, which also felt suspiciously heavy, also contained cocaine, said CBP.

Atkins attempted to smuggle in a total of 3.7 pounds of cocaine valued at $64,000, said CBP.

Atkins faces federal charges of narcotics smuggling, said officials.

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