US citizen nabbed with cocaine in suitcase from Trinidad flight
NEW YORK (CMC) – The United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency says Jerrita Baker, a US citizen was nabbed with cocaine in her suitcase when she arrived on a flight from Trinidad and Tobago.
On Wednesday, the CBP said Baker was arrested for the importation of a controlled substance and was turned over to US Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
The total weight of cocaine seized was about 5 lbs, with an estimated street value of US$87,000.
It said Baker was “sniffed” out by a K-9 at John F Kennedy International Airport in trying to smuggle the illegal drug into the US.
Baker claimed the suitcase and was escorted to a private search room where the suitcase was probed revealing a white powder that tested positive for cocaine.
“Cocaine is a dangerous narcotic, and CBP does its part in keeping these drugs off the streets.” said Robert E. Perez, Director of CBP’s New York Field Operations.
“Our officers are determined to protect the American people from these illicit substances.”
Baker now faces US federal narcotics smuggling charges, and will be prosecuted by the US Attorney’s Office in the US Eastern District Court of New York.
