CINCINNATI—Last Friday, July 17, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers in Cincinnati discovered 21 pounds of cocaine concealed in a shipment of ladies’ footwear transiting through a local express consignment facility.
While searching incoming freight from Bogota, Columbia during routine operations, Narcotics Detector Dog “Betty” alerted to a shipment manifested as “shoes.” Officers x-rayed the package, which appeared to be a large shipment of ladies boots, and noticed what appeared to be unusually thick arch supports within the shoes. After a closer exam, they found multiple rectangular black packages in hidden compartments cut into the soles beneath the arches. The packages contained a white powder that tested positive for cocaine.
The shipment was destined to a private individual at a residence in Haverstraw, New York.
CBP Cincinnati Port Director Richard Gillespie expressed his appreciation for his officers and their hard-working canine companions. “Our officers and canine teams are part of the best frontline defense in the world. They are exceptional at what they do.”
