Cocaine-stuffed soy nuggets valued at $45K seized in Cincinnati

CINCINNATI — U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers in Cincinnati recovered two pounds of cocaine with a street value of around $45,000 after taking a closer look at a shipment of food products transiting though a local express consignment facility.

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The package was labeled "food stuff" and contained bars of soap and varying types of food products, including two bags labeled "Soya Chunks". The bags of Soya Chunks contained what appeared to be a type of nugget.

After opening one of the nuggets, officers found small pellets of a white, powdery substance. Testing confirmed the powder was cocaine.

“Smugglers can be creative in their attempts to get narcotics past our frontline,” said Cincinnati Port Director Richard Gillespie in a release. “Our officers are exceptional at identifying shipments that warrant additional scrutiny, and now, more than ever, their skills are critical in securing our nation’s borders.”

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The shipment came from Trinidad and Tobago, a region vulnerable to drug trafficking and a transit point for large quantities of cocaine moving north from South America.

The cocaine-filled soy nuggets were ultimately destined to a private residence in Ontario, Canada.

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