CBP Canine Discovers Nearly 30 Pounds of Narcotics at JFK

U.S. Customs and Border Protection K-9 team arrest a man trying to conceal over $1.4 million of heroin and cocaine in his suitcase.

On Saturday August 7th, a citizen of the Dominican Republic was arrested by U.S. Customs and Border Protection for attempting to smuggle nearly 30 pounds of heroin and cocaine in sneakers and cooking pots that he placed in his checked luggage.

A CBP Canine alerted to a suitcase owned by Mr. Bernardo Gonzalez Garcia, who had arrived on a flight from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Upon opening his luggage, CBP Officers noticed several pots, and sneakers with unusually thick soles. A more intensive inspection revealed a brown powdery substance contained within the soles of the shoes, which tested positive for heroin. A subsequent examination revealed a white powdery substance, which tested positive for cocaine, within the base of the pots.

“CBP is committed to protecting the American public from any type of threat,” stated Robert E. Perez, Director, Field Operations, New York Field Office. “CBP K-9 teams in the greater New York area are some of the best trained and most successful in detecting and intercepting contraband items, despite many cunning concealment methods.”

The narcotics seized during this inspection carried a street value over $1.4 million. The investigation by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents is ongoing. If convicted, Mr. Garcia may face significant jail time.