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L.I. man hid cocaine while in JFK: Customs

JAMAICA — U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers arrested a man Monday at John F. Kennedy International Airport for allegedly trying to conceal over $160,000 worth of cocaine in his suitcase, according to the agency.

A Lindenhurst, L.I., resident tried to walk past CBP officers with more than seven pounds of cocaine concealed within a secret compartment in his checked luggage, CBP said.

The officers selected Paul Calderon, who had arrived on a flight from Santiago, Dominican Republic, for an enforcement exam, CBP said.

After opening his luggage, the officers noticed that the bottom of Mr. Calderon’s luggage was unusually thick, and after inspecting further the officers found that a white powdery substance was contained in the bottom of the suitcase, CBP said. The powder tested positive for cocaine.

“The trade of illicit narcotics has adverse effects on our communities,” Robert Perez, director of field operations for CBP’s New York field office, said. “Teams of CBP officers in the greater New York area are some of the best-trained officers committed to successfully detecting and intercepting contraband items despite many cunning concealment methods.”