About 130 pounds of cocaine worth about $4 million was seized Sunday in what is believed to be the biggest cocaine seizure in the history of Philadelphia International Airport.
The narcotics were found in three duffel bags left unattended at the airport. They arrived on a flight from the Dominican Republic, according to the Customs and Border Protection.
The bags remained after passengers left the international inspection station, officials said.
A drug-sniffing dog was called in and 52 bricks of cocaine were found wrapped inside blankets in the duffels.
“This is by far the largest amount of cocaine that any of us can remember seizing in the airport environment in Philadelphia,” said Allan Martocci, CBP Port Director for the Area Port of Philadelphia.
“The volume alone raises concern for us. Customs and Border Protection officers remain steadfastly vigilant to stop narcotics here at our border before it can hurt our families and our communities. Any day that we can remove 130 pounds of cocaine from circulation is a good day.”
Records on seizures date back to 1990 -- the previous largest seizure was of 55 pounds of coke in August 2000, officials said.
It’s also believed to be the 10th largest seizure ever -- including seaports -- in the Ports of Philadelphia, according to officials.
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