Delco Woman Busted At PHL With 11 Lbs. Of Cocaine: Officials

A Delaware County woman was arrested at Philadelphia International Airport after she was found with nearly 11 pounds of cocaine concealed inside chocolate drink cans, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced.

Tiwanda Rechele White-Pinkton, 38, of Upper Darby was arrested on May 23 and charged with possession with intent to deliver, criminal conspiracy and simple possession.

According to officials, White-Pinkton had arrived from Montego Bay, Jamaica at about 7:30 p.m. that day when a CBP officer referred her to a secondary examination.

"Officers probed two of 10 instant chocolate drink mix cans that they removed from White-Pinkton’s baggage and discovered the cans were filled with a white powdery substance. That substance field-tested positive for cocaine," according to information from U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

The cans contained 4.9 kilograms, or nearly 10 pounds, 13 ounces of the illegal drug, officials said. The cocaine has an approximate street value of more than $300,000, authorities estimate.

“Transnational criminal organizations employ many unique concealment methods to smuggle their deadly drugs into the United States, and Customs and Border Protection officers must remain vigilant to stop these attempts,” said Susan Stranieri, CBP Port Director for the Area Port of Philadelphia. “We’re hopeful that this arrest sends a strong message that CBP officers in Philadelphia remain committed to intercepting illicit narcotics before it can reach our communities.”