Woman Arrested for Hiding 28 Pounds of Cocaine in Her Wheelchair Wheels at JFK International Airport

A woman was arrested at New Yorks JFK International Airport after allegedly hiding 28 pounds of cocaine in the wheels of her wheelchair, authorities said Monday. Emelinda Paulino De Rivas was arrested on Nov. 10 after arriving in New York on a flight from Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, according to a statement from U.S. Customs and Border Protection. When CBP officers interviewed De Rivas, they noticed her wheelchairs wheels werent turning. An X-ray revealed anomalies in the wheels, the agency said. A photo shows multiple packages that were stuffed inside the wheels. The agency said approximately 28 pounds of cocaine was seized, with an estimated street value of $450,000. “CBP stands steadfast and determined in working with our partners to identify the trans- national criminal networks responsible for importing these deadly drugs into our neighborhoods.” said Francis J. Russo, Director of CBPs New York Field Operations. De Rivas was arrested for the importation of a controlled substance and turned over to Homeland Security Investigations. She will be prosecuted by the U.S. Attorneys Office in the U.S. Eastern District Court of New York.