While inspecting a Guatemalan man’s luggage Saturday, Customs and Border Protection officers discovered cocaine concealed inside the double walls of two jars filled with stew.
The man, who requested entry as a courier on business, arrived on a flight from El Salvador.
Customs and Border Protection officers inspected the jars because they felt too heavy. The jars were emptied and inspected, revealing plastic bags filled with a white, powdery substance that field-tested positive for cocaine.
“Customs and Border Protection officers at Washington Dulles International Airport have proven to be exceptionally skilled at discovering unique concealment methods, and this seizure is illustrative of that skill,” said Christopher Hess, CBP Port Director for the Port of Washington. “CBP officers remain ever vigilant at intercepting illicit narcotics before it can hurt our families and communities.”
After extensive interviews the man was not criminally charged. CBP officers processed him for removal. During the processing he expressed fear of returning to Guatemala. The man was detained and scheduled for an interview with an asylum officer. If his claim is not found credible, he will be removed from the U.S. and barred from returning for a minimum of five years.
