Feds Find $500K Cocaine in Chocolate Truffles at JFK

(The New York Post) - Custom officials uncovered a $500,000 stash of cocaine hidden within chocolate truffles and pistachio shells at New York's JFK Airport, the New York Post reported Friday.

An American man tried to smuggle the candy-covered drug haul into the country, but his attempts were half-baked, customs officials said.

Robert Lopera, from Connecticut, was arrested on May 11 after Customs and Border Protection agents noticed that "the chocolates and pistachios were unusually heavy," federal agents said.

He was allegedly toting 15 pounds of cocaine, some of it disguised as Ferrero Rocher chocolates.

The unemployed Lopera flew in to New York on Avianca Flight 824 from Medellin, Colombia. He held a one-way cash ticket.

Officers noticed the heft of the sweets when he handed over two bags for examination, and arrested him after the powder in the treats tested positive for cocaine, authorities said.

He is awaiting federal prosecution and could face significant jail time if found guilty.

Source: The New York Post