Cocaine hidden in hot chocolate? CBP officers just stopped a $900K drug smuggling attempt at Washington Dulles Airport.
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WASHINGTON, D.C.
– What seemed like an ordinary shipment of hot chocolate from Guatemala turned out to be a cover for a high-stakes drug smuggling operation. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at Washington Dulles International Airport recently intercepted over 28 pounds of cocaine cleverly concealed within the shipment, underscoring the relentless efforts of smugglers to sneak illegal substances into the United States.
A Sweet Cover for a Sinister Cargo
On October 5, CBP officers were inspecting a food shipment brought into the U.S. by a Guatemalan courier. What initially appeared to be harmless packages of hot chocolate turned suspicious during the examination. Inside 10 packages, officers found white bricks of powder hidden between layers of coffee grounds and tucked beneath double layers of chocolate bars.
Using a handheld elemental isotope analysis tool, authorities confirmed the substance was cocaine hydrochloride. The total weight of the cocaine was 28 pounds and six ounces, with an estimated street value of about $900,000. The shipment was destined for an address in northern Virginia.
CBP’s Commitment to Protecting Communities
CBP’s Area Port Director for Washington, D.C., Marc E. Calixte, praised the officers for their vigilance. In a statement, he said, “Drug trafficking organizations continue trying to smuggle their illicit narcotics into the United States, but vigilant Customs and Border Protection officers are relentless in their efforts to intercept these smuggling attempts and to protect our communities from the scourge of dangerous drugs.”
This incident highlights the innovative tactics drug trafficking organizations employ to conceal illegal narcotics. CBP officers rely on advanced tools and thorough inspections to stay ahead of these evolving smuggling techniques.
The Courier’s Fate
The courier carrying the shipment was detained by federal authorities but released on Tuesday due to insufficient evidence directly linking him to the cocaine. However, CBP officers canceled the courier’s visa and processed him for expedited removal. By Wednesday, the individual had returned to Guatemala.
Despite this outcome, CBP’s successful interception prevented a large quantity of cocaine from reaching its intended destination, potentially saving lives and disrupting criminal operations.
This case underscores the constant battle between innovative smuggling tactics and the advanced tools and determination of CBP officers. By intercepting this shipment, CBP has not only disrupted a major trafficking operation but also demonstrated its unwavering commitment to keeping dangerous drugs out of American communities.
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Washington, D.C.
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