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‘Full Of Pellets’: Woman Busted For Stuffing Nearly $100,000 Worth Of Cocaine In And On Her Body

[Photo credit: U.S. Customs and Border Protection]

Brianna Lyman News and Commentary Writer
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Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents busted a woman on Friday for illegally trying to smuggle in thousands of dollars worth of cocaine by stuffing pellets both in her and on her.

Lawful permanent resident Yerlina Lantigua Hernandez DeNova arrived at John F. Kennedy International Airport from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic on Friday and underwent inspection from CBP agents.

During the initial examination, agents found three pellets in her purse containing a white powder. DeNova was subsequently taken to a private inspection room  where officers found more pellets stuffed in her bra, according to CBP. DeNova then admitted that she inserted more pellets both vaginally and anally, according to CBP.

Cocaine seized at JFK by U.S. Customs and Border Protection [Photo credit: U.S. Customs and Border Protection]

Cocaine seized at JFK by U.S. Customs and Border Protection [Photo credit: U.S. Customs and Border Protection]

Authorities found in total 100 pellets both on and in DeNova. The pellets tested positive for cocaine, according to CBP. (RELATED: US Citizens Allegedly Attempted To Smuggle Nearly $1 Million Worth Of Narcotics Across The Border)

Approximately three pounds worth of cocaine was seized, valued at approximately $94,000, according to CBP.

“This seizure is another example of our CBP officers being ever vigilant in protecting the United States from the distribution of these illicit drugs,” Acting Director of CBP’s New York Field Operations Marty Rabon said in a statement.

DeNova was charged with importing a controlled substance into the U.S. which is a felony offense, according to CBP. DeNova was placed under arrest and the Department of Homeland Security of Investigations has taken over her case, according to CBP.