Fly Jamaica Aircrew Member Caught by CBP with 9 lbs of Cocaine at JFK

By
Tammy Waitt
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A Fly Jamaica Airways crew member was caught by CBP officers at JFK with approximately 9 lbs of cocaine with an estimated street value of $160,000 taped to his legs.
A Fly Jamaica Airways crew member was caught by CBP officers at JFK with approximately 9 lbs of cocaine with an estimated street value of $160,000 taped to his legs. (Image courtesy of CBP)

An arriving crew member discovered that he could not get a leg up on U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers in his attempt to transport illegal drugs into the United States.

On March 17, Hugh Hall, a citizen of Jamaica, and crew member of Fly Jamaica Airways arrived at John F. Kennedy (JFK) International Airport from Montego Bay, Jamaica and presented himself for inspection.

Mr. Hugh was escorted to a private search room where CBP officers discovered four packages taped to his legs, all of which contained a white powder that tested positive for cocaine.

Mr. Hall was arrested for the importation of a controlled substance and was turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).

Dean Dimotsis, Assistant Port Director Tactical Operations, U.S. CBP, JFK International Airport Office of Field Operations, Michael Madsen, AST Publisher, and Leon Hayward, Acting Director, U.S. CBP New York Field Office
Dean Dimotsis, Assistant Port Director Tactical Operations, U.S. CBP, JFK International Airport Office of Field Operations, Michael Madsen, AST Publisher, and Leon Hayward, Acting Director, U.S. CBP New York Field Office

Approximately 9 lbs. of cocaine was seized, with an approximate street value of $160,000.

“This seizure is another example of our CBP officers being ever vigilant in protecting the United States from the distribution of illicit drugs,” said Leon Hayward, Acting Director of CBP’s New York Field Operations.

Mr. Hall faces federal narcotics smuggling charges and will be prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the U.S. Eastern District Court of New York.

All defendants are considered innocent until proven guilty.

CBP Recognized in the 2017 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Program

astor plat 2017 cut for announcement

  • U.S. Customs and Border Protection 

    • CBP Entry/Exit Program Aims to Implement a Biometric Exit System that Enhances Security, Minimizes the Impact to Travelers, Control Costs and Safeguards Travelers Privacy
    • Excellence in Homeland Security
The 2017 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Presentation Luncheon
The 2017 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Presentation Luncheon

Over 100 distinguished guests from National, State and Local Governments, and Industry Leading Corporate Executives from companies allied to Government, gathered from across North America and the Middle East to be honored from disciplines across the Security Industry in their respective fields which included:

2018 ASTORS

  • The Department of Homeland Security
  • The Department of Justice
  • The Security Exchange Commission
  • State and Municipal Law Enforcement Agencies
  • Leaders in Private Security

Recognized for their Innovative Training and Education Programs, Outstanding Product Development Achievements and Exciting New Technologies to address the growing Homeland Security Threats our Nation is facing.

Nominations are now being accepted for the 2018 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards at https://americansecuritytoday.com/ast-awards/.

American Security Today will be holding the 2018 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Presentation Luncheon to honor Nominees, Finalists and Winner in November 2018, in New York City.

CBP banner

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation’s borders at and between the official ports of entry.

CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.

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