JFK AIRPORT — Customs agents seized more than 300 pounds of illegal substances from travelers who were entering New York from destinations around the world, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security said.
During the weekend of June 18-29, U.S. Customs officers arrested four individuals attempting to smuggle nearly 25 pounds of heroin in four separate incidents from various locations such as Nigeria, the Dominican Republic and Colombia, according to the department.
The suspects allegedly concealed the contraband by sewing it into the lining of a backpack, molding the narcotics into the base of a bowl and swallowing the drugs and carrying it in their digestive tracts, according to the authorities.
Customs agents also seized nearly 290 pounds of the illegal shrub khat, which is used as a stimulant, from concealed packages that were being shipped through the airport, the authorities said.
