Customs agents at Newark Liberty International Airport allegedly found 5 pounds of cocaine hidden in wooden coasters, a picture frame, glass bottle and jars in a man’s luggage late last month, officials say.
A 29-year-old man was arrested on state drug smuggling charges after authorities made the discovery on May 29, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol said.
The suspect was going through inspection after a flight from Peru when agents noticed the coasters, frame, bottle and jars were unusually heavy.
They took the items to a private search room and discovered they contained a white powder that later tested positive for cocaine.
The man was arrested after the discovery. Authorities say that the drugs could have sold for as much as $87,000.