Watch CBS News

Officials: Man Tried To Smuggle 5 Pounds Of Cocaine Under His Pants At JFK

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) - He wasn't pulling their leg.

Customs and Border Protection agents at John F. Kennedy International Airport arrested a man Thursday for allegedly trying to smuggle cocaine into the U.S.

Mayobanex Ruiz Gomez arrived from the Dominican Republic and appeared nervous when his bag was checked, CBP officials said.

They took Gomez into a private room where he was searched.

The search revealed about five pounds of cocaine taped to his legs, according to CBP officers. The cocaine has an estimated street value of more than $83,000.

Gomez faces smuggling charges.

JFK Drug Arrest
Police say they found 10 pounds of cocaine strapped to a man's legs at JFK Airport on March 4, 2017 (credit: US Customs and Border Protection)

It's the second time this month Customs and Border Protection agents have arrested someone at JFK airport with cocaine taped to their legs.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.