Newark, N.J. — U. S. Customs and Border Protection Officers at Newark Liberty International Airport discovered spray cans containing more than hairspray and foot powder.

On March 20, Ms. Jessica Aguirre arrived from Bogota, Colombia and was inspected by CBP officers. During the examination, CBP officers discovered three spray cans that felt unusually heavy. The cans were probed and revealed a brown powder that tested positive for heroin. Ms. Aguirre’s other suitcase was also unusually heavy; it was probed and a brown powder was discovered that tested positive for heroin.

Approximately 4.8 pounds of heroin was seized.

“Heroin is a dangerous narcotic and CBP does its part in keeping these drugs off the streets,” said Robert E. Perez, director of CBP’s New York Field Operations. “Our officers are determined to protect the American people from these illicit substances.”

Ms. Aguirre was turned over to agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations. She has been charged with federal narcotics smuggling and is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of New Jersey.

All defendants are considered innocent until proven guilty.

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.