On November 10, a passenger that arrived from the Dominican Republic in her wheelchair at John F. Kennedy International airport was questioned by authorities after they observed that the passenger’s wheels were not functioning properly. They were hardly turning. 

Emelinda Paulino De Rivas, a traveler from Punta Cana, was approached by Customs and Border Protection (CBP). They required her to run her luggage and wheelchair through security x-ray after authorities raised concerns about the wheelchair. The female Dominican Republic national was also interviewed by the CBP personnel as part of their standard procedures.

During the examination, officials observed something strange in the wheels of her wheelchair, as it seemed like something was inside. They decided to closely examine the wheels by inserting a probe through the tires. White powder poured out and it tested positive for cocaine. Agents recovered a total of 28 pounds of cocaine from the four wheels.

Authorities seized and charged De Rivas with an attempt to smuggle illegal substances. Later, it was discovered that the seized drugs had a street value of $450,000. She will be prosecuted by the US Attorney’s Office.

Francis J. Russo, the director of CBP’s New York Field Operations, said that they will continue to work alongside their partners in investigating and catching those responsible for the failed smuggling attempt. Russo proudly stated that the CBP’s mission is to always protect the borders and ports from similar illegal acts.