Passenger at JFK found with $33K of cocaine hidden inside cakes: CBP

A Mexican traveler is now facing smuggling charges after airport officials discovered a white, powdery substance that wasn’t flour inside some sweets he was bringing along with him.

On March 1, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agriculture specialists at JFK International Airport were preforming an X-ray exam on luggage belonging to Jesus Martinez Ramirez, a Mexico citizen who had arrived on a flight from Mexico City, according to authorities.

While the specialists were performing the examination they noticed an anomaly on the X-ray of a cake, CBP said, and found that a package had been hidden within the cake.

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Then with the help of CBP officers, who escorted Ramirez to a private search room, authorities investigated the concealed packages, finding a white powder that tested positive for cocaine, according to CBP.

A total of five cakes were discovered with about 2 pounds of cocaine, with an estimated street value of $33,000, authorities said.

“This latest seizure demonstrates the vigilance of our CBP officers, and their excellence in detecting those who would try to smuggle these illegal substances,” said Robert E. Perez, director of CBP Field Operations New York.

Ramirez was placed under arrest and turned over to the Port Authority Police Department. He is currently facing state narcotic smuggling charges and will be prosecuted by the Queens County District Court.