Cocaine found in cakes hidden in luggage at JFK airport, customs officials say

NEW YORK -- Customs officials found thousands of dollars in cocaine -- hidden in cakes -- earlier this month at John F. Kennedy International Airport.

On March 1, Jesus Martinez Ramirez, of Mexico, arrived at JFK on a flight from Mexico City. When U. S. Customs and Border Protection officials examined his luggage, they noticed an anomaly on the X-ray of a cake.

Officers said they discovered a package containing white powder concealed within the cake.

When they investigated further, agents ultimately found five seed cakes that contained about 2 pounds of cocaine, with an estimated street value of $33,000.

Ramirez was arrested and will face state narcotics smuggling charges.