A traveler who arrived at a New York City airport on Saturday had bigger plans than making pasta.
He was caught with cocaine inside a can of tomato paste, authorities said.
Keiter Elian Rijo Morales, a citizen of the Dominican Republic, arrived at John F. Kennedy International Airport in Queens from Santo Domingo, the Dominican capital, when U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers inspected a large metal can he had with him.
A traveler was caught with cocaine inside a can of tomato paste in a New York City airport, authorities said.
(U.S. Customs and Border Protection)
The officers opened the container, which was labeled as “Bella Tomato Paste,” the agency said in a news release.
Inside was five pounds of a white power that tested positive for cocaine that was valued at $160,000, authorities said. Morales was arrested for allegedly importing a controlled substance and was handed off to Homeland Security Investigations agents.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
“The smuggling of illicit drugs poses a significant threat to our nation, and CBP does its part in keeping these drugs off our streets.” said Troy Miller, Director of CBP’s New York Field Operations.