Over 47 Pounds Of Cocaine Seized From Conditioner Shipment Passing Through Puerto Rico To Thailand

U.S. Customs and Border Protection on Wednesday announced the recent seizure of more than 47 pounds of cocaine hidden in jars of conditioner in a shipment passing through Puerto Rico on its way to Thailand.

On Jan. 28, CBP officers conducting package inspection operations at the FedEx cargo facilities at the Rafael Hernandez Airport in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, referred a package for further inspection. An X-ray scan revealed ‘anomalies” in a package with 59 jars of hair conditioner.

Officers found 51 of the jars were filled with a total of 47.4 pounds of white powder in vacuum sealed pouches. The powder later tested positive for cocaine, carrying an estimated value of $361,200.

“Our CBP Officers continue their vigilance at the Express Consignment Cargo Facilities and effectively employ their experience combined with available technology to detect and deter smuggling activities exploiting the supply chain,” said Carlos Nieves, Port Director for the Mayaguez-Aguadilla Port of Entry, which serves Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The package originated in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, a British Commonwealth island country in the eastern Caribbean. It was destined for Thailand.