Man found with cocaine packages taped to body at New York airport

Suspect arrested after flight from Dominican to JFK International Airport

Customs officers at John F. Kennedy International Airport found cocaine packages taped to the legs of a passenger returning from the Dominican Republic. (U.S. Customs and Border Protection)

PEMBROKE PARK, Fla. – A man returning from the Dominican Republic was arrested at a New York airport after he was found to have cocaine packages taped to his body, federal authorities said Friday.

Juan Carlos Galan Luperon was arrested at John F. Kennedy International Airport after returning from Santo Domingo.

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U.S. Customs and Border Protection spokesman Anthony Bucci said Luperon appeared to be nervous and "his pants appeared to be rather snug" as he was questioned by CBP officers.

Bucci said Luperon was taken to a private room, where CBP officers found cocaine packages taped around both of his legs.

About 10 pounds of cocaine was seized with an estimated street value of more than $164,000.

Luperon faces federal narcotics smuggling charges in New York.


About the Author

Peter Burke returned for a second stint of duty at Local 10 News in February 2014.

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