HOUSTON — U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers seized more than 12 kilograms of cocaine after it was discovered in a hidden compartment of a motorized wheelchair at George Bush Intercontinental Airport, officials announced Wednesday.
CBP officials said officers made the discovery in September after flagging the wheelchair for an X-ray when they noticed the cushions appeared to be unusually large. The X-ray scan showed a metal compartment concealed in the wheelchair's backrest containing 11 packages. CBP said its K9 units also helped by confirming that narcotics were present.
Officers recovered 12.16 kilograms of cocaine.
“CBP remains diligent in our efforts to protect our borders and keep Americans safe,” said Kayla Gonzalez, CBP's acting area port director. "Cocaine is a deadly, dangerous drug and the trafficking of these poisons leads to increased violence, money laundering, and other criminal activity that threatens our safety and local communities."
After discovering the narcotics, the investigation was turned over to Homeland Security Investigations.
