Christopher Samuels, 37, and Keshon Hawthorne ,26, are labeled as ‘international dope boys’ after they attempted to smuggle cocaine into Charlotte, NC. The cocaine was found in their luggage, as seen in these live pictures from the scene.
On separate occasions just two days apart, the suspects arriving as international passengers at Charlotte-Douglas International Airport had more than clothes in their luggage when encountered by U. S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office of Field Operations.
On Sunday, CBP officers encountered Keshon who is a Jamaican citizen who arrived on a flight from Montego Bay, Jamaica. During an inspection of his luggage, officers discovered a white powdery substance that field-tested positive for cocaine.
On Tuesday, CBP officers encountered Christopher, also a Jamaican citizen arriving from Montego Bay, Jamaica. During an inspection of his luggage, officers discovered a white powdery substance that also field-tested positive for cocaine.
Barry Chastain, CBP Acting Area Port Director of Charlotte released this statement:
> “Our CBP officers continue to demonstrate daily vigilance and excellence in detecting those who would try to smuggle illegal narcotics. These arrests demonstrate CBP’s vigilance and dedication to securing the homeland and safeguarding our citizens.”
The two individuals were arrested for the importation of a controlled substance and turned over to Homeland Security Investigations and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department. The total weight of cocaine seized was over six pounds with an estimated street value of $90,000.
CBP routinely conducts inspection operations on arriving and departing international flights and intercepts narcotics, weapons, currency, prohibited agriculture products, and other illicit items.
