Passenger caught with cocaine in picture frames, officials at Newark airport say

NEWARK (WABC) -- Frames contained more than just pictures, according to U. S. Customs and Border Protection officers at Newark Liberty International Airport. They say a passenger tried to smuggle cocaine hidden within the frames.

On March 21, Job Israel DeJesus Ortega, a Peruvian Citizen, arrived at Newark Liberty International Airport from Lima, Peru and presented two checked-in suitcases and a book bag for inspection.

CBP officers conducted a physical search of his baggage, and discovered three picture frames and two paper packages. Further inspection revealed a white powdery substance that turned out to be one pound of cocaine with an approximate street value of $30,000.

Port Authority Police Department took custody of DeJesus Ortega, who faces state prosecution for narcotics smuggling charges.