MIAMI – A passenger from Colombia was arrested at Miami International Airport last month after being caught with about 7.7 pounds of heroin, U.S. Customs and Border Protection spokesman Keith Smith said.
According to Smith, CBP officers questioned the passenger on Jan. 22, after the suspect gave inconsistent reasons for being in the U.S.
Smith said the passenger was traveling with two bags that were unusually heavy when emptied.
He said officers soon discovered that thick padding in the backpack and other luggage were concealing the drugs, which tested positive for heroin.
"CBP officers work diligently 24/7 every day of the week to prevent the smuggling of illicit drugs from entering our nation," Miami International Airport Port Director Christopher Maston said.
The passenger, whose identity has not been released, was arrested and charged with the smuggling of illegal narcotics.
According to Smith, CBP officers screen more than 67,000 cargo containers and seize nearly 6 tons of illicit drugs in the U.S. on a typical day.