Watch CBS News

Man arrested at Orlando airport for trying to smuggle 3 kilos of heroin inside 172 lollipops

CBS

(CBS) ORLANDO, Fla. - Suck on this: a man arriving at the Orlando International Airport was arrested Friday after being caught trying to smuggle heroin into the country by hiding the drug inside the candy shells of 172 lollipops, according to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

CBS Tampa reports that Rafael Eduardo Quinonez Jimenez, 45, of Guatemala, allegedly brought more than three kilograms of heroin concealed inside the candy shells on his flight from Guatemala City.

"We found ... 3.2 kilograms of heroin concealed in candy lollipops," Orlando CBP supervisor Milly Alvarado told CBS Tampa. "There were three packages with various candies ... including 172 lollipops."

Alvarado added that most persons attempting to smuggle drugs into the country opt to swallow them wrapped in protective coverings such as balloons.

Officers from the ICE and Homeland Security Investigations apprehended Jimenez and charged him with possession of heroin with intent to distribute.

He could face 10 years to life in federal prison if convicted.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.